Basic Research Nicotine Induces Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy Through TRPC3-Mediated Ca 2þ /NFAT Signalling Pathway

Background: Nicotine is thought to be an important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. However, the effects of nicotine on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy are poorly understood. The present study was designed to explore the role of nicotine in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and its underlying mechanism. Methods: We used primary cardiomyocytes isolated from Wistar rats to examine the effects of nicotine on intracellular Ca 2þ mobilization and hypertrophy determined by immunofluorescence, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analysis. A luciferase reporter assay was used to examine the activity of NFAT signalling. Results: We found that nicotine caused cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, which was accompanied by increased intracellular Ca 2þ . Nicotineenhanced intracellular Ca 2þ concentration ([Ca 2þ ]i) was significantly