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Updated: Dec 27, 2025
Histological Quantification of Chronic Myocardial Infarct in Rats
Published on: December 11, 2016
Three-dimensional visualization of coronary microvasculature in rats with myocardial infarction
Xiaogang Liu1, Yuting Wang1, Mingliang Tang2
1Department of Cardiology, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430033, China.
Background:
Assessment of the coronary microcirculation remains challenging.
Objective:
we explored the feasibility of evaluating the coronary microvasculature in rats with myocardial infarction (MI) using a three-dimensional visualization technique.
Methods:
Animals were divided into the sham operation group (S), MI 45 min group (M45), and MI 180 min group (M180). Opened microvessels were labelled with the fluorescent dye DiI (1, 1'-dioctadecyl-3, 3, 3'3'-tetramethylindo carbocyanine perchlorate) using a heart perfusion method. The microvascular distribution and opening status were observed under laser scanning confocal microscopy, which was adjusted to facilitate evaluation of subjects around 6 to 20 μm.
Results:
Microvascular vessels (6-20 μm) were successfully labelled by DiI. Intact and clear three-dimensional microvascular structures were observed in myocardium of sham rats and remote non-infarct myocardial tissue of MI rats, while there was almost no microvascular structure in the infarct area of the M45 group, and only a small amount of microvascular visualization was visualized in the infarct area of the M180 group. The microvascular area and microvascular density in M45 group and M180 group in the infarct border zone were significantly lower than corresponding area in S group.
Conclusion:
Three-dimensional visualization of opened coronary microvascular vessels is feasible in DiI-labelled myocardium in this rat MI model. This novel technique might be useful for defining the underlying mechanisms of coronary microvascular diseases and observe the efficacy of various therapy strategies on coronary microvessels.
Insights
This study demonstrates a novel 3D visualization technique for assessing coronary microcirculation in rats with myocardial infarction. The method successfully visualized microvascular changes, offering potential for understanding microvascular diseases and evaluating therapies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Microcirculation Imaging
- Myocardial Infarction Models
Background:
- Assessing coronary microcirculation is a significant challenge in cardiovascular research.
- Understanding microvascular function is crucial for diagnosing and treating heart diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of a novel 3D visualization technique for assessing coronary microvasculature in a rat model of myocardial infarction (MI).
- To characterize microvascular changes in the infarct zone and border regions following MI.
Main Methods:
- Rats underwent sham operation or induced myocardial infarction (MI) at 45 or 180 minutes.
- Coronary microvessels were labeled with DiI fluorescent dye via heart perfusion.
- Three-dimensional microvascular structures were visualized using laser scanning confocal microscopy (6-20 μm range).
Main Results:
- Successful DiI labeling and 3D visualization of microvessels (6-20 μm) were achieved.
- Intact microvascular structures were observed in sham rats and remote non-infarct tissue.
- Significant reductions in microvascular area and density were noted in the infarct border zones of MI rats compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Three-dimensional visualization of DiI-labeled coronary microvessels is feasible in a rat MI model.
- This technique provides a novel approach for studying coronary microvascular diseases.
- The method holds promise for evaluating therapeutic strategies targeting coronary microvessels.
