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Capillary density and oxygen supply in human dilated cardiomyopathy
H R Figulla1, F Vetterlein, V Wiegand
1Medizinische Klinik, Abteilung für Kardiologie, Universität Göttingen, F.R.G.
Zeitschrift Fur Kardiologie
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in human hearts shows low functional capillary density, potentially leading to tissue hypoxia. This study investigated microcirculation in DCM hearts to assess oxygen supply limitations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Microcirculation Research
- Cardiac Pathology
Background:
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by myocyte hypertrophy, increasing intercapillary distance.
- This increased distance may impair metabolic supply diffusion to heart tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microcirculation in human hearts with DCM.
- To determine functional capillary density and distribution.
- To assess the impact on oxygen supply in DCM hearts.
Main Methods:
- Human hearts with DCM, excised during transplantation, were reperfused with FITC-stained salt solution.
- This method allowed precise detection of all plasma-perfused capillaries.
- Functional capillary density, distribution, and oxygen supply were determined.
Main Results:
- Average functional capillary density in eight DCM hearts was 1245 +/- 345 capillaries/mm2.
- 50% of the tissue was within 12 microns of the nearest capillary.
- A small portion of tissue (1%) risked anoxia based on a diffusion model.
Conclusions:
- Human DCM hearts exhibit reduced capillary density.
- Tissue in DCM hearts may be at the border of hypoxia due to impaired microcirculation.