Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Transthoracic Echocardiographic Examination in the Rabbit Model
14:46

Transthoracic Echocardiographic Examination in the Rabbit Model

Published on: June 1, 2019

Etiology-dependency of ionic remodeling in cardiomyopathic rabbits

Arie O Verkerk1, Antonius Baartscheer, Joris R de Groot

  • 1Heart Failure Research Center, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. A.O.Verkerk@amc.uva.nl

International Journal of Cardiology
|November 19, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Ionic remodeling and action potential prolongation in cardiomyopathy are linked to hypertrophy severity, not the specific cause like ischemic or dilated cardiomyopathy. This finding holds true in rabbit models.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Molecular Cardiology

Background:

  • Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) cause action potential (AP) prolongation via ionic remodeling.
  • Human studies show greater AP prolongation in DCM than ICM, but confounding factors limit conclusions.
  • Standardized rabbit models were used to investigate etiology-specific ionic remodeling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if the etiology of cardiomyopathy (ischemic vs. dilated) influences ionic remodeling and AP prolongation.
  • To investigate the relationship between hypertrophy, ionic remodeling, and AP duration in distinct cardiomyopathy models.

Main Methods:

  • Induced chronic infarction for ICM and volume/pressure overload for DCM in rabbits.
  • Utilized patch-clamp methodology to measure action potentials and membrane currents.
  • Assessed hypertrophy and heart failure indicators like ascites.

Main Results:

  • Both ICM and DCM induced hypertrophy and AP prolongation.
  • AP prolongation was more pronounced in DCM with heart failure (DCM(F)).
  • Transient outward K(+) current (I(to 1)) density was reduced in all models, with greater downregulation in DCM(F).

Conclusions:

  • Ionic remodeling and AP prolongation in these cardiomyopathy models depend on the degree of hypertrophy.
  • The etiology of the cardiomyopathy (ICM vs. DCM) is less critical than the extent of hypertrophy in driving electrophysiological changes.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Isolation of Atrial Cardiomyocytes from a Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome-related Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction08:31

Isolation of Atrial Cardiomyocytes from a Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome-related Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Published on: July 26, 2018

Studying Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling by Aortic Debanding in Rodents07:26

Studying Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling by Aortic Debanding in Rodents

Published on: July 14, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...