Formation of aminochrome leads to cardiac dysfunction and sudden cardiac death

Abstract

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a leading cause of mor tality under various stressful and pathological con-ditions. In view of the overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and high levels of circulating catecholamines in subjects with different heart diseases, it is generally considered that SCD and other cardiovascular abnormalities are primarily the consequences of increased cAMP/calcium (Ca2+)-overload linked processes. However, there is ample evidence to suggest that the oxidation products of catecholamines, aminochrome, and oxyradicals lead to the development of intracellular Ca2+ overload, cardiovascular defects, and arrhythmias for the occurrence of SCD.