Gpr55 deficiency crucially alters cardiomyocyte homeostasis and counteracts angiotensin II induced maladaption in female mice

Abstract

Background and PurposeCannabis stimulates several G‐protein‐coupled‐receptors and causes bradycardia and hypotension upon sustained consumption. Moreover, in vitro studies suggest an interference of cannabinoid‐signalling with cardiomyocyte contractility and hypertrophy. We aimed at revealing a functional contribution of the cannabinoid‐sensitive receptor GPR55 to cardiomyocyte homeostasis and neurohumorally induced hypertrophy in vivo.Experimental ApproachGpr55−/− and wild‐type (WT) mice were characterized after 28‐day angiotensin II (AngII; 1·μg·kg−1 min−1) or vehicle infusion. In isolated adult Gpr55−/− and WT cardiomyocytes, mitochondrial function was assessed under naïve conditions, while cytosolic Ca2+ handling was additionally determined following application of the selective GPR55 antagonist CID16020046.Key ResultsGpr55 deficiency did not affect angiotensin II (AngII) mediated hypertrophic growth, yet, especially in females, it alleviated maladaptive pro‐hypertrophic and ‐inflammatory gene expression and improved inotropy and adrenergic responsiveness compared to WT. In‐depth analyses implied increased cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations and transient amplitudes, and accelerated sarcomere contraction kinetics in Gpr55−/− myocytes, which could be mimicked by GPR55 blockade with CID16020046 in female WT cells. Moreover, Gpr55 deficiency up‐regulated factors involved in glucose and fatty acid transport independent of the AngII challenge, accelerated basal mitochondrial respiration and reduced basal protein kinase (PK) A, G and C activity and phospholemman (PLM) phosphorylation.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur study suggests GPR55 as crucial regulator of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and homeostasis presumably by regulating PKC/PKA‐PLM and PKG signalling, and identifies the receptor as potential target to counteract maladaptation, adrenergic desensitization and metabolic shifts as unfavourable features of the hypertrophied heart in females.