Embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived cardiomyocytes are a promising cell source for the screening for potential cytoprotective molecules against ischemia/reperfusion injury, however, little is known on their behavior in hypoxia/reoxygenation conditions. Here we tested the cytoprotective effect of the NO-donor SNAP and its downstream cellular pathway. Mouse ESC-derived cardiomyocytes were subjected to 150-min simulated ischemia (SI) followed by 120-min reoxygenation or corresponding non-ischemic conditions. The following treatments were applied during SI or normoxia: the NO-donor S-Nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine (SNAP), the protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor, the KATP channel blocker glibenclamide, the particulate guanylate cyclase activator brain type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and a non-specific NO synthase inhibitor (N-Nitro-L-arginine, L-NNA) alone or in different combinations. Viability of cells was assayed by propidium iodide staining. SNAP attenuated SI-induced cell death in a concentration-dependent manner, and this protection was attenuated by inhibition of either PKG or KATP channels. However, SI-induced cell death was not affected by BNP or by L-NNA. We conclude that SNAP protects mESC-derived cardiomyocytes against SI/R injury and that soluble guanylate-cyclase, PKG, and KATP channels play a role in the downstream pathway of SNAP-induced cytoprotection. The present mESC-derived cardiomyocyte based screening platform is a useful tool for discovery of cytoprotective molecules.
