Today’s thought stems from a quote I found reading Metabolic Regulation: A Human Perspective by Keith N. Frayn. This is one of my new favorite books…
Quote: “AMPK senses energy status of the cell: when there is a drain on ATP, AMP rises and the AMPK is activated, leading in turn to inhibition of ATP utilizing pathways (particularly biosynthetic pathways) and activation of ATP-generating pathways (glucose uptake, glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation).”
Thought: AMPK (5′ AMP-activated protein kinase) activation in some form, either via dietary means, or as a drug target, would seem to be a good idea for the pulmonary vasculature as it would potentially prevent proliferation of PASMC’s and PAEC’s, and perhaps even adventitial fibroblasts (because of the “preventing biosynthetic pathway” feature stated above). But, if this is so, would this be good for the heart? Does the myocardium need cells to be in a biosynthetic mode for muscle building (i.e. hypertrophy) and angiogenesis to compensate for low oxygen and increased PA pressures and afterload?
