Effects of Necrostatin-1, an Inhibitor of Necroptosis, and its Inactive Analogue Nec-1i on Basal Cardiovascular Function

Inhibition of receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIP1) by necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) alleviates cardiac injury due to prevention of necroptotic cell death. Its inactive analogue necrostatin-1i (Nec-1i), lacking RIP1 activity, serves as a suitable control. It is unknown if these agents influence the heart function in the absence of damaging stimuli. For this purpose, we measured intraarterial blood pressure (systolic – sBP and diastolic – dBP) and ECG parameters after a bolus administration of Nec-1 and Nec-1i in rats during 30 min. Nec-1, unlike Nec-1i, increased sBP and dBP, as well as heart rate reaching the peak at 20 min. The P wave duration tended to be decreased and the duration of the PR interval was shortened by Nec-1 indicating faster conduction of the impulses through atria to the ventricles. The drugs did not influence the QTc interval duration and no episode of ventricular arrhythmia was observed. In summary, Nec-1 temporarily modulates blood pressure and electrical function of the healthy heart. These effects of Nec-1 are likely due to its off-target action or RIP1 has an important role in the regulation of cardiovascular function independently of its action on the necroptotic pathway.