Deficiency of the transcription factor, Nrf2, impairs vasomotor responses and limits exercise training-induced adaptations of coronary arterioles

Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that is crucial in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis. Vasomotor responses of the coronary resistance vasculature and regulation of coronary blood flow are closely linked to myocardial metabolism and redox status of the myocardium. We hypothesized that deletion of Nrf2 would alter vascular responses of coronary arterioles and limit exercise training-induced adaptations of vasomotor function. We exercise trained wild type (WT) Sprague-Dawley rats, and their littermates that were lacking the Nrf2 gene (Nrf2KO). Rats were either exercise trained (EX) on a motor-driven treadmill 5 days/wk or remained sedentary (SED) in their cages for 10–12 weeks. A mixed moderate aerobic and high-intensity interval training protocol was utilized. At the end of the training period, coronary arterioles were isolated for assessment of vasomotor responses to potassium chloride (KCl) and endothelin, as both are considered potential endogenous regulat...