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Coxsackie B3 myocarditis induces a decrease in energy charge and accumulation of hyaluronan in the mouse heart
A Waldenström1, J Fohlman, N G Ilbäck
1Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Virus-induced myocarditis leads to hyaluronic acid (HA) accumulation in heart tissue, causing interstitial edema. This accumulation correlates with myocardial energy depletion, impacting cardiac function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pathology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Interstitial edema in chronic inflammation and ischemia is linked to hyaluronan (HA) accumulation.
- Interstitial edema can impair oxygen transport within tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between hyaluronan accumulation and myocardial energy depletion in virus-induced myocarditis.
- To assess changes in myocardial HA content and energy status following Coxsackie B3 virus infection.
Main Methods:
- Myocarditis was induced in Balb/c mice using Coxsackie B3 virus.
- Extractable HA content and adenine nucleotide levels (energy status) were measured in myocardial tissue.
- Affinity histochemistry was used to visualize HA distribution.
Main Results:
- Myocardial HA content significantly increased post-infection, peaking at day 7.
- Hyaluronan accumulated in the endomysium, particularly around inflammatory infiltrates.
- Energy charge (EC) and total adenine nucleotide pool showed a significant decline at day 5, with subsequent recovery.
Conclusions:
- Virus-induced myocarditis is associated with localized hyaluronan accumulation in the myocardium.
- The observed HA accumulation may contribute to interstitial edema and impact myocardial energy metabolism.
- These findings suggest a potential role for HA in the pathogenesis of viral myocarditis.