Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

A Pulmonary Trunk Banding Model of Pressure Overload Induced Right Ventricular Hypertrophy and Failure
06:47

A Pulmonary Trunk Banding Model of Pressure Overload Induced Right Ventricular Hypertrophy and Failure

Published on: November 29, 2018

Alterations in dystrophin-related glycoproteins in development of right ventricular failure in rats

Takuya Daicho1, Yoriko Daisho, Suguru Kojima

  • 1Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji 192-0392, Japan.

Journal of Pharmacological Sciences
|December 19, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Genetic depletion of the dystrophin-related glycoprotein complex contributes to heart failure. This study found that alterations in this complex are linked to right ventricular failure in monocrotaline-induced rat cardiomyopathy.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Molecular Cardiology
  • Animal Models of Disease

Background:

  • Genetic defects in the dystrophin-related glycoprotein (DRGP) complex are known to cause cardiomyopathy.
  • The role of DRGP alterations in right ventricular failure, particularly in models of pulmonary hypertension, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the involvement of DRGP alterations in the development of right ventricular failure in monocrotaline-administered (MCT) rats.
  • To explore the potential mechanisms, including protease activity, underlying these DRGP changes.

Main Methods:

  • Rats were administered monocrotaline (60 mg/kg) subcutaneously.
  • Echocardiography was performed at 6 and 8 weeks to assess cardiac function.
  • Levels of alpha-sarcoglycan, beta-sarcoglycan, and beta-dystroglycan were measured in right ventricular tissue.
  • Activity and content of m-calpain and matrix metalloproteinase-2 were assessed in MCT rat right ventricles.

Main Results:

  • MCT rats exhibited decreased cardiac output indices and increased right ventricular Tei indices by 6 weeks, indicating right ventricular failure.
  • Significant decreases in alpha-sarcoglycan, beta-sarcoglycan, and beta-dystroglycan were observed in the right ventricles of MCT rats.
  • These DRGP component decreases were inversely correlated with the elevated right ventricular Tei index.
  • Increased content and activity of m-calpain and matrix metalloproteinase-2 were detected in the right ventricles of MCT rats.

Conclusions:

  • Alterations in the dystrophin-related glycoprotein complex are implicated in the pathogenesis of right ventricular failure in MCT rats.
  • Increased activity of m-calpain and/or matrix metalloproteinase-2 may mediate the degradation of DRGP components, contributing to right ventricular dysfunction.

More Related Videos

Induction of Right Ventricular Failure by Pulmonary Artery Constriction and Evaluation of Right Ventricular Function in Mice09:40

Induction of Right Ventricular Failure by Pulmonary Artery Constriction and Evaluation of Right Ventricular Function in Mice

Published on: May 13, 2019

Related Concept Videos

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 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...
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 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...