Apoptosis of ventricular and atrial myocytes from pacing-induced canine heart failure

Abstract

We have identified components of the signalling pathways along which apoptosis proceeds following the induction of heart failure in dogs. Apoptosis was also detected in the atria raising the possibility that, like human dilated cardiomyopathy, the molecular changes are global.

Caspase-1, -2, and -3 gene expression is enhanced in the heart and lung of chickens with pulmonary hypertension (ascites)

“…This is followed by myocardial remodeling and development of overt heart failure (22). Heinke et al found that the expression of both caspase-2 and -3 elevates in the left ventricle of dogs with heart failure and over-expression of caspase-2 results in apoptosis (23).…”

Decreased Apoptosis following Successful Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

“…Heinke et al measured the expression of apoptotic molecules (Fas and Fas ligand) in cardiac tissue from the atria and ventricles of dogs, which had undergone rapid ventricular pacing for a period of 4 weeks. They found a significantly elevated expression of apoptotic inducers compared to samples from control, non-paced hearts [13]. Dr. Aime-Sempe examined human right atrial tissue samples from patients who had undergone cardiac surgery (mainly for mitral valve disease) for the presence of apoptosis associated with atrial fibrillation.…”

Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Reduces Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis and Improves Cardiac Function in Adriamycin-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Rats

“…Apoptotic cardiomyocytes have also been detected in ADR induced DCM rats, rapid pacing-induced DCM dogs and biopsy samples from DCM patients [33][34][35]. An apoptosis related protein, Fas, was reported to play an important role in inducing cardiomyocyte apoptosis in DCM.…”