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The effects of activated complement on myocardial performance in vitro
P J Hendry1, G C Taichman, G P Biro
1University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa Civic Hospital, Canada.
The Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery
|May 1, 1989
Summary
Activated complement, a key immune system component, was investigated for direct effects on heart muscle (myocardium). This study found no direct impact of activated complement on myocardial performance in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- The complement system, a crucial part of innate immunity, plays a role in various organ dysfunctions.
- Its direct impact on myocardial function remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether activated complement directly affects myocardial contractility.
- To assess the functional integrity of human atrial trabeculae exposed to activated complement.
Main Methods:
- Human right atrial trabeculae were studied in vitro under isometric conditions.
- Trabeculae were exposed to four solutions: Tyrode's, autologous blood, plasma, and denatured plasma.
- Complement activation was induced using Zymosan, with complement activity assessed by CH50 levels.
Main Results:
- Complement activation was confirmed in blood and plasma solutions (p < 0.05).
- No significant differences were observed in resting forces, developed forces, or decay rates between groups.
- Myocardial functional integrity remained unaffected across all tested solutions.
Conclusions:
- Activated complement does not exert a direct influence on myocardial performance.
- The study provides evidence against a direct role of complement in acute myocardial dysfunction.