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Left ventricular myocardial edema. Lymph flow, interstitial fibrosis, and cardiac function
1Center for Microvascular and Lymphatic Studies, University of Texas Medical School, Houston 77030.
Circulation Research
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Myocardial interstitial edema (extravascular fluid) impairs cardiac function and worsens fibrosis in dogs. Both acute and chronic fluid accumulation significantly reduce the heart
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Cardiac Pathophysiology
Background:
- Myocardial interstitial edema, or extravascular fluid (EVF), is implicated in cardiac dysfunction.
- The relationship between EVF, interstitial fibrosis, and cardiac function requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of acute and chronic myocardial interstitial edema on cardiac function.
- To determine if excess EVF potentiates interstitial fibrosis and further compromises cardiac performance.
Main Methods:
- Dogs were divided into control, chronic pulmonary hypertensive (right heart failure), and chronic arterial hypertensive groups.
- EVF quantity and interstitial fibrosis (collagen content) were measured.
- Cardiac function was assessed at baseline and after acute interventions (elevated coronary venous pressure, reduced lymph flow).
Main Results:
- Acute elevation of EVF from 2.90 to 3.45 significantly compromised cardiac function.
- Chronic EVF levels in hypertensive and heart failure groups were elevated (3.50 +/- 0.30 and 3.50 +/- 0.08).
- An EVF of 3.5 reduced cardiac output maintenance by ~30% and collagen levels increased by at least 20% in chronic models.
Conclusions:
- Both acute and chronic myocardial interstitial edema significantly impair cardiac function.
- Excess EVF exacerbates cardiac dysfunction in chronic hypertensive and heart failure models.
- Increased EVF is associated with potentiated interstitial fibrosis, further compromising cardiac performance.