Functions of PDE3 Isoforms in Cardiac Muscle

Isoforms in the PDE3 family of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases have important roles in cyclic nucleotide-mediated signalling in cardiac myocytes. These Enzymes are targeted by inhibitors used to increase contractility in patients with heart failure, with a combination of beneficial and adverse effects on clinical outcomes. This review covers relevant aspects of the Molecular Biology of the isoforms that have been identified in cardiac myocytes; the roles of these Enzymes in modulating cAMP-mediated signalling and the processes mediated thereby; and the potential for targeting these Enzymes to improve the profile of clinical responses.