Figure 8.

IPoC‐induced desensitization of β‐ARs. In the short term, rapid and transient activation of the GRK2 could reduce the reperfusion injury and protect the myocardium against hypercontractions. In the long term, however, stabilization of GRK2 and its phosphorylated fraction leads to a desensitization or decoupling of β‐ARs with a resultant loss of the positive inotropic functional reserve. AR indicates adrenergic receptor; GRK2, G protein‐coupled receptor kinase 2; MDM2, mouse double minute 2 homolog/E3 ubiquitin‐protein ligase Mdm2; PI3, phosphoinositide 3‐kinase; PKC, protein kinase C.