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Updated: Sep 21, 2026
Echocardiographic Approaches and Protocols for Comprehensive Phenotypic Characterization of Valvular Heart Disease in Mice
Published on: February 14, 2017
Validation of the myocardial performance index by echocardiography in mice: a noninvasive measure of left ventricular
Craig S Broberg1, George A Pantely, Brent J Barber
1Divisions of Cardiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97221, USA.
Background:
The myocardial performance index (MPI) is a Doppler-based measure of left ventricular (LV) function. It is noninvasive, independent of LV shape, and does not require dimensional measurements. However, it has never been validated in mice.
Methods:
A total of 29 anesthetized mice with LV pressure catheters underwent echocardiography (2-dimensional, M-mode, and Doppler) at baseline and during manipulations of beta-adrenergic tone, temperature, preload, and afterload. The maximum derivative of LV pressure with respect to time (dP/dt(max)) was compared with MPI, fractional shortening (FS), mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening, and the FS/MPI ratio.
Results:
MPI (baseline 0.44 +/- 0.07) correlated strongly with dP/dt(max) (R = -.779, P <.001), as did FS and mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening. MPI differed significantly with contractility, preload, and afterload manipulation. FS/MPI showed the best correlation with dP/dt(max).
Conclusions:
MPI strongly correlates with dP/dt(max) over a range of hemodynamic conditions in mice. It can be used as a noninvasive index of LV function in this species.
