Morphometric and quantitative characterization of atrial ganglion neurons from the intercaval region in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract

The quantity, morphometry, and quality of atrial neurons from the intercaval region in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were evaluated. Dogs with DCM had greater ganglion neurons than control dogs. The histologic evaluation of the ventricular myocardium and ganglion neurons confirmed DCM and showed the degeneration of ganglion neurons. Dogs with chronic DCM had a secondary cardioneuropathy owing to impaired parasympathetic neural control.Keywords: dog, cardiomyopathy, histology, morphometry RESUMO Avaliaram-se quantitativa, morfométrica e qualitativamente os neurônios atriais da faixa intercaval de cães com cardiomiopatia dilatada (CMD). Os neurônios dos gânglios nervosos de cães com