Beta Receptor Derangement in Postinfarction Left Ventricular Perianeurysm Tissue

Abstract

Summary:The purpose of this study was to evaluate alterations in adrenergic receptor density in patients with postinfarction left ventricular aneurysms. Resected specimens from 4 patients with left ventricular aneurysm were studied using standard techniques to evaluate beta receptors, alpha receptors, and muscarinic receptors in the border zone, perianeurysm tissue, and infarcted aneurysm tissue. Only the beta receptors demonstrated up-regulation around the aneurysm (p = 0.0003). This indicates that infarction with aneurysm formation can alter adrenergic receptor density, which may affect cellular response and predispose to arrbythmogenesis.