Effects of Reactive Oxygen Species on Sarco-/Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Pump in Pig Coronary Artery

Reactive oxygen species are intermediates in biochemical reactions which are essential for life. However, different types of reactive oxygen species accumulate in excessive amounts during ischemia–reperfusion and can cause tissue damage. In healthy coronary arteries, Ca2+ sequestered in the sarco-/endoplasmic reticulum (SER) by the SER Ca2+ pump (SERCA) plays a pivotal role in signal transduction. SERCA is readily damaged by high levels of reactive oxygen species accumulated in ischemic–reperfused coronary arteries leading to loss of arterial pliability. This chapter gives background on reactive oxygen species and their effects on SERCA and coronary artery contractility and also outlines the unresolved problems in this area.