Distinct right ventricle remodeling in response to pressure overload in the rat

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Mendes Ferreira, P (Author) Other; Santos Ribeiro, D (Author) Other; Adao, R (Author) Other; Maia Rocha, C (Author) Other; Mendes Ferreira, M (Author) Other; Sousa Mendes, C (Author) Other; Leite-Moreira AF (Author) FMUP; Brás-Silva C (Author) FCNAUP

Journal

Title: American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology

Vol. 311

Pages: H85-H95

ISSN: 0363-6135

Publisher: American Physiological Society

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 32 Citations

Scopus - 33 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00K-TAG

DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00089.2016

Abstract (EN): Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), the most serious chronic disorder of the pulmonary circulation, is characterized by pulmonary vasoconstriction and remodeling, resulting in increased afterload on the right ventricle (RV). In fact, RV function is the main determinant of prognosis in PAH. The most frequently used experimental models of PAH include monocrotaline-and chronic hypoxia-induced PAH, which primarily affect the pulmonary circulation. Alternatively, pulmonary artery banding (PAB) can be performed to achieve RV overload without affecting the pulmonary vasculature, allowing researchers to determine the RV-specific effects of their drugs/interventions. In this work, using two different degrees of pulmonary artery constriction, we characterize, in full detail, PAB-induced adaptive and maladaptive remodeling of the RV at 3 wk after PAB surgery. Our results show that application of a mild constriction resulted in adaptive hypertrophy of the RV, with preserved systolic and diastolic function, while application of a severe constriction resulted in maladaptive hypertrophy, with chamber dilation and systolic and diastolic dysfunction up to the isolated cardiomyocyte level. By applying two different degrees of constriction, we describe, for the first time, a reliable and short-duration PAB model in which RV adaptation can be distinguished at 3 wk after surgery. We characterize, in full detail, structural and functional changes of the RV in its response to moderate and severe constriction, allowing researchers to better study RV physiology and transition to dysfunction and failure, as well as to determine the effects of new therapies.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11