Chronotropic Responses to GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Sitagliptin in Atria from Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, elucidation of the cardiovascular effects of antidiabetics is crucial. Incretin-based therapies are increasingly used for T2DM treatment as monotherapy and in combination. We aimed to study the effects of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and sitagliptin on beating rates in isolated atria from diabetic rats. The chronotropic responses to GLP-1 RAs and sitagliptin as monotherapy and in combinations with metformin, pioglitazone, and glimepiride in isolated atria from control and diabetic rats were determined. GLP-1 (7-36), GLP-1 (9-36), and Exendin-4 (1-39) produced increases in beating rates in both control and diabetic rat atria. However, sitagliptin increased the beating frequency only in the diabetic group. Exendin (9-39), L-NAME, and indomethacin blocked responses to GLP-1 RAs but not the response to sitagliptin. Glibenclamide, 4-aminopyridine, apamin, charybdotoxin, superoxide dismutase, and catalase incubations did not change responses to GLP-1 RAs and sitagliptin. GLP-1 RAs increase beating rates in isolated rat atrium through GLP-1 receptor, nitric oxide, and cyclooxygenase pathways but not potassium channels and reactive oxygen radicals.