We have recently shown that autophagy is induced by ischemia and reperfusion in the mouse heart in vivo. Ischemia stimulates autophagy through an AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent mechanism, whereas reperfusion after ischemia stimulates autophagy through a Beclin 1-dependent, but AMPK-independent, mechanism. Autophagy plays distinct roles during ischemia and reperfusion: autophagy may be protective during ischemia, whereas it may be detrimental during reperfusion. We will discuss the role of AMPK in mediating autophagy during myocardial ischemia in vivo.

Addendum to:

Distinct Roles of Autophagy in the Heart During Ischemia and Reperfusion: Roles of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase and Beclin 1 in Mediating Autophagy

Y. Matsui, H. Takagi, X. Qu, M. Abdellatif, H. Sakoda, T. Asano, B. Levine and J. Sadoshima

Circ Res 2007; 100:914-22