Work

GLP-1 activates KATP channels in coronary pericytes as the effector of brain-gut-heart signalling mediating cardioprotection

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Failure to reperfuse the coronary microvasculature (“no-reflow”) affects up to 50% of patients after unblocking a coronary artery that was causing ischaemia and acute myocardial infarction. This “no-reflow” is associated with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, increased infarct size, and death. We show that the incretin GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) can be used to protect the heart after ischemia by activating ATP-gated K + channels on pericytes that constrict coronary capillaries. Coronary capillary dilation can be activated pharmacologically or by vagally-mediated GLP-1 release from the gut evoked by skeletal muscle ischemia, and is abolished by block or genetic deletion of pericyte K ATP channels. These results define a brain-gut-heart pathway mediating cardioprotection and suggest pharmacological therapies to reduce ischaemia-induced coronary no-reflow and improve post-infarct recovery.

Source: Nature Communications

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-69555-1

Authors: Svetlana Mastitskaya, Felipe Santos Simões de Freitas, Lowri E. Evans, David Attwell

Institutions: University of Bristol, University College London

Language: English

Topic: Cardiac Ischemia and Reperfusion

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $6,990