© 2003 European Society of Cardiology
Improved regional left ventricular function after successful satellite cell grafting in rabbits with myocardial infarction
a Cardiology Department, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center Zerifin 70300, Israel
b Clinical Biochemistry Department, Sackler School of Medicine Tel Aviv University, Israel
c Animal Experimental Unit, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center Zerifin 70300, Israel
d Thoracic Surgery Department, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center Zerifin 70300, Israel
* Corresponding author. Tel.: +972-8-9779735, fax: +972-8-9228141 E-mail address: alexblatt{at}asaf.health.gov.il
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Abstract |
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Objective: To evaluate whether satellite cells injected into infarct areas in rabbits remain viable during 6 weeks follow-up and can improve cardiac function as assessed by echocardiography.
Methods: Myocardial infarction was induced in 16 New Zealand white rabbits, by ligation of the marginalis sinistra artery. Tissue from gluteus muscle biopsies was dissected into small pieces and cultured. Within 2–3 weeks the cells were expanded by 2–3 orders of magnitude and were fluorescent labeled. Single cell pellets for resuspension at >106/1 ml were directly injected into the infarct areas in 8 rabbits. In 8 additional rabbits, 1 ml saline was injected (control). Regional left ventricular function was assessed weekly by 2-D echocardiography until animals were sacrificed. Analysis was performed blind and independently by two experienced echocardiographers, based on the American Society of Echocardiography scheme.
Results and discussion: Six treated and five control rabbits completed the study. One week after the artery occlusion, left ventricular function scoring did not differ between groups, mean 8.7±1.6 vs 8.3±1.9 (P=0.74). At 6 weeks post-injection, echocardiographic score was significantly better in the treated group, mean 2.6±0.9 vs 6.9±2.1 (P=0.002). The treated group showed significant gradual segmental improvement between the first week up to week 6. After sacrifice, macro and microscopic transmural areas showed typical changes of myocardial infarction. Histochemical staining identified viable grafted cells in high density 6 weeks post-transplantation in all grafted hearts.
Conclusion: Autologous satellite cells (skeletal myofiber), can be successfully grafted into rabbit hearts following myocardial infarction and may induce improved regional left ventricular function.
Key Words: Cells • Transplantation • Heart failure • Myocardial infarction
Received January 16, 2003; Revised April 21, 2003; Accepted July 31, 2003
Presented in part in the ‘Young Investigator Award Competition’, Basic Science category, European Society of Cardiology Congress, Stockholm 2001.