Propyl Gallate, a Strong Antioxidant, Increases the Ca²⁺ Sensitivity of Cardiac Myofilament

Abstract

Ca²⁺ sensitizers are cardiotonic agents that directly increase the Ca²⁺ sensitivity of cardiac myofilament. To find a novel Ca²⁺ sensitizer, we have screened a group of phenolic compounds by examining their effects on the Ca²⁺-dependent force generation in cardiac muscle fibers. We found that propyl gallate, a strong antioxidant, increased the Ca²⁺ sensitivity of cardiac myofilament in a dose-dependent and reversible manner. The present study indicates that propyl gallate is a novel type of Ca²⁺ sensitizer with antioxidant activity, which might be more beneficial for the treatment of congestive heart failure associated with oxidative stress than existing Ca²⁺ sensitizers.