Effect of arginine and lysine on mitochondrial function during isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction in rats

Mitochondria are important subcellular organelles involved in the energy production that are susceptible to oxidative stress. Acute myocardial infarction has been shown to correlate with an increase in oxidative stress. The protective effect of L-arginine and L-lysine on mitochondrial enzymes, mitochondrial lipid peroxidation, Ca2+ content, enzymes of respiratory chain and ATP production was examined during isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction. Rats administered isoproterenol (150 mg kg-1 daily, i.p.) for two days showed a significant increase in mitochondrial lipid peroxidation and Ca2+ content while the activities of the cardiac marker enzymes, mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes, enzymes of respiratory chain and ATP production were decreased. Prior oral treatment of L-arginine (250 mg kg−1 daily) along with L-lysine (5 mg kg−1 daily) in combination for 5 days significantly (p < 0.05) prevented these alterations and restored the mitochondrial function at near normal state. These results confirm the combined efficacy of L-arginine and L-lysine in alleviating isoproterenol induced mitochondrial damage.