Pathophysiological role of autoantibodies against G-protein-coupled receptors in the cardiovascular system

Item Type:	Article
Title:	Pathophysiological role of autoantibodies against G-protein-coupled receptors in the cardiovascular system
Creators Name:	Schulze, W. and Kunze, R. and Wallukat, G.
Abstract:	After more than 15 years of intensive research in the field of functional autoantibodies (AAB) directed against G-protein-coupled receptors, there is growing evidence of a causal involvement of AAB in various cardiovascular diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy, peripartum cardiomyopathy, malignant and essential hypertension, and preeclampsia. It has been indicated that AAB against beta-1 adrenergic receptor, alpha-1 adrenergic receptor, angiotensin-II receptor AT1 and muscarinic M2-receptors undergo agonist-like actions on the corresponding receptor and induce a permanent stimulation of G-protein-coupled signal cascades, which may cause Ca2+ overload and cardiomyocyte destruction. Furthermore, the present review describes how G-protein-coupled receptor AAB are able to activate transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B, which may regulate the expression of genes involved in immune and inflammatory responses.
Keywords:	Autoantibodies, G-protein-coupled receptors, Hypertension, Signal cascade
Source:	Experimental & Clinical Cardiology
ISSN:	1205-6626
Publisher:	Pulsus
Volume:	10
Number:	3
Page Range:	170-172
Date:	1 January 2005
PubMed:	View item in PubMed

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