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Author Spotlight: Investigating HR-Dependent Cardiac Function in Mouse Models Through a Novel Atrial-Pacing Approach
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Load-Dependent Changes in Left Ventricular Structure and Function in a Pathophysiologically Relevant Murine Model of
Carla J Weinheimer1, Attila Kovacs1, Sarah Evans1
1Center for Cardiovascular Research, Cardiovascular Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO.
Circulation. Heart Failure
|May 3, 2018
Summary
Removing an aortic band in mice with heart failure (HF) normalized heart structure but only partially restored function. This mouse model offers insights into reverse remodeling mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Translational Medicine
- Animal Models
Background:
- Developing a murine model to study reverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling.
- Mice underwent transverse aortic constriction (TAC) and myocardial infarction (MI) to induce LV remodeling.
- Reverse LV remodeling was induced by removing the aortic band.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of hemodynamic unloading on LV remodeling.
- To evaluate the recovery of cardiac structure and function after intervention.
- To analyze the reversal of the heart failure transcriptional program.
Main Methods:
- Established a mouse model with TAC and MI, followed by debanding (HF-DB) or continued banding (HF).
- Assessed LV remodeling using 2D echocardiography and histological analysis.
- Utilized transcriptional profiling to analyze gene expression changes.
Main Results:
- Debanding normalized LV volumes, mass, and myocyte hypertrophy but not collagen content.
- LV ejection fraction and radial strain improved but remained below sham levels.
- Hemodynamic unloading led to significant normalization of heart failure-associated genes.
Conclusions:
- Hemodynamic unloading normalizes LV structure but incompletely restores function and gene expression in this HF model.
- The HF-DB mouse model provides a platform for studying reverse LV remodeling mechanisms.
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