Abstract 470: Raf Kinase Inhibitors Activate ERK1/2 in Cardiomyocytes, Promoting Cardiac Hypertrophy in vitro and, in the Context of Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension in Mice, in vivo

Introduction: ERK1/2 promote hypertrophy and are protective in the heart, but cause cancer in dividing cells. Raf kinases lie upstream of ERK1/2 and Raf inhibitors (e.g. SB590885 (SB), dabrafenib (Dab)) are in development/use for cancer. Paradoxically, in cancer cells, low concentrations of SB/Dab stimulate (rather than inhibit) ERK1/2. Hypothesis: Our hypothesis is that the heart is primed for Raf paradox signaling. Raf inhibitors have potential to activate ERK1/2 in cardiomyocytes and promote cardiac hypertrophy. Methods: Neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVMs) were exposed to inhibitors. Dab or SB (3 or 0.5 mg/kg/d) were studied in 12 wk male C57Bl6 mice in vivo in the presence of angiotensin II (AngII, 0.8 mg/kg/d) (n=6-11) using osmotic minipumps. Effects were compared with vehicle controls. Echocardiography was performed (Vevo2100). M-mode images (short axis view) were analyzed; data for each mouse were normalized to the mean of 2 baseline controls. Kinase activities were assessed by immunob...