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Culturing Mouse Cardiac Valves in the Miniature Tissue Culture System
Published on: October 19, 2015
Influence of 5-hydroxytryptamine on aortic valve competence in vitro
A H Chester1, M Misfeld, H H Sievers
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart Science Centre, Harefield Hospital, NHLI, Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine, Middlesex, UK.
The Journal of Heart Valve Disease
|January 5, 2002
Summary
The contractile agent 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) increases aortic valve leakage by causing cusp tissue contraction via 5-HT2A receptors. This finding may explain links between 5-HT, appetite suppressants, and valve dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Pharmacology
- Tissue Mechanics
Background:
- Cusp tissue contraction is crucial for aortic valve function.
- 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a contractile agent with potential roles in aortic valve function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effect of 5-HT on the competence of isolated aortic roots.
- To examine the vasomotor properties of 5-HT on aortic root tissue.
Main Methods:
- Isolated porcine aortic roots were pressurized and exposed to increasing concentrations of 5-HT.
- Specific valve structures (cusp, sinus, annulus, sinotubular junction) were tested in organ baths.
- Receptor blockade with ketanserin and viability assessment with KCl were performed.
Main Results:
- 5-HT (10^-6 to 10^-5 M) significantly increased aortic root leakage by up to 61.8%.
- Only cusp tissue exhibited contraction in response to 5-HT, mediated by 5-HT2A receptors.
- Ketanserin blocked the 5-HT-induced contraction and leakage.
Conclusions:
- 5-HT influences aortic valve competence through contraction of cusp tissue.
- The 5-HT2A receptor is the primary mediator of this effect.
- These findings may elucidate the association between 5-HT, appetite suppressants, and valve dysfunction.
