Experimental myocardial infarction versus doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity as interventions to build up ovine models of chronic heart failure: comparative characteristics

DE LORENZI A, ; LOCATELLI P; OLEA FD; MENDIZ O; SALMO F; FAZZI L; HNATIUK A ; CABEZA MECKERT P; LAGUENS R,; CROTTOGINI A

Paris

Congreso; European society of cardiology congress; 2011

European society of cardiology

In translational research on myocardial regeneration, large mammalian models of chronic left ventricular (LV) failure are needed. Unlike pigs, whose cardiomyocytes may contain up to 32 nuclei, ovine cardiac myocytes have only 1 to 4 nuclei, thus closely resembling the human heart. This feature, in addition to its docility and slow growth rate, makes the sheep an appropriate species for protocols requiring long term follow up. We aimed to compare 2 ovine models of chronic LV failure: one resulting from myocardial infarction (MI) versus one resulting from doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DOXO). Methods. In 6 sheep the left anterior descending coronary artery (distal third) or its diagonal branches were ligated to generate a MI comprising approximately 25% of the LV wall. Another 6 sheep received 4 intracoronary infusions (one every 2 weeks) of doxorubicin 1 mg/kg (DOXO). Echocardiograms were recorded weekly until significant LV dilatation was observed. Results. In 10.2±1 weeks LV end systolic volume increased similarly in both models (MI: from 14.4±4 to 42±11.7 ml, X±SD, p