Ultrastructural changes of sodium chloride-induced cardiomyopathy in turkey poults

Round heart disease and ascites were induced in 8-day-old turkey poults by administering 0.75% sodium chloride in distilled water. Clinical signs included increased water consumption, loose feces, depression, and increased respiratory rate. Mortality was noticed after 3 days on the saline solution. Light microscopic and electron microscopic studies were made on the right and left free cardiac ventricular walls. Massive glycogen accumulations were demonstrated by periodic acid-Schiff staining and malt diastase digestion. Electron microscopic studies further showed the presence of extensive intrafibrillar glycogen, myofibrillar disarray, lysis of myofilaments, Z-band streaming, and disruption of intercalated discs. These changes are consistent with congestive heart failure and are similar to furazolidone-induced cardiomyopathy. A mechanism is suggested whereby sodium ions may cause hypertension and also act directly to influence the electrical and contractile activity of the heart muscle.