Alterations in 1,2-Diacylglycerols and Ceramides in Diabetic Rat Heart

Recent evidence has implicated lipid-mediated second messengers such as 1,2diacylgjycerol (DAG)-protein protein kinase C (PKC) pathway as an important mediator underling multiple aspects of myocardial function (1). For example, PKC is involved in Ca2+ -induced inotropy, in mediating myocardial preconditioning by diverse stimuli both in animals and humans, and in the signaling processes which lead to the production of proinflammatory mediators. Hyperglycemia and diabetes have been shown to be associated with PKC activities (2). The changes in DAG-PKC pathway are significant in causing cardiovascular dysfunctions and pathologies.