Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a lethal disease, characterized by functional or structural abnormalities involving distal pulmonary arterioles that result in increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and ultimately right heart failure. Our objective is to establish a conditional transgenic system in mice, to test the hypothesis that lung EC apoptosis at the level of distal pulmonary arterioles is necessary and sufficient to cause a PAH phenotype. In a pilot study, the Fas-Induced Apoptosis (FIA) construct was expressed under the control of endothelial-specific Tie2 promoter in transgenic mice (i.e. EFIA mice). Administration of a small molecule dimerizing agent, AP20187, resulted in lung modest dose-dependent PAH, which was associated with proliferative vascular lesions localized to distal lung arterioles in a small proportion of mice. Due to the low level of transgene expression in preliminary EFIA lines, we re-designed the transgenic vector by incorporating a more robust endothelial promoter (superTie2). The new construct was transfected into HUVEC and BAEC and analyzed by monitoring immunofluorescence (DsRed). Data from the EFIA model suggests that EC apoptosis may be sufficient to induce a PAH phenotype with the characteristic lung vascular lesions. The EFIA model will allow us to better explore the mechanism that links distal lung EC apoptosis with reactive vascular cell proliferation in the pathogenesis of this devastating disease.

No coração, doses elevadas de hormônio tireoideano (T3) por tempo prolongado promove hipertrofia cardíaca. Os mecanismos envolvidos neste processo necessitam de maior esclarecimento. Analisou-se dados de um ensaio de microarray de tecido cardíaco de ratos submetidos a hipertireoidismo experimental. O algoritmo MAS5 foi mais eficiente para processamento dos dados. Identificou-se os filamentos grossos, banda M e discos intercalares como hotspots de atuação do T3. A T-Caderina apresentou aumento transitório nos níveis de mRNA e proteicos sob efeito do T3. Estudo de imunofluorescência evidenciou marcação para T-Caderina próxima à membrana plasmática de cardiomiócitos. Com 24 horas de tratamento com T3, observamos aumento global e difuso de marcação para T-Caderina. Obeservou-se marcação nuclear para T-Caderina. Portanto, é possível que a T-caderina possa estar envolvida no processo de hipertrofia cardíaca. Todavia, para verificar essa possibilidade, são necessários mais estudos. / Cardiac hypertrophy is observed in response to long-term hyperthyroidism. The molecular basis of cardiac hypertrophy induced by hyperthyroidism remains to be determined. Using microarray approach, the gene expression profile of heart tissue from rats submitted to hyperthyroidism were analysed. MAS5 were found to be the best for our low-level analysis. Sarcomeric hotspots such as thick-filaments, M-band and intercalated disks under thyroid hormone (T3) treatment were identified. T3 induced transient mRNA and protein levels of T-Cadherin, a interecalated disks member. T-Cadherin were observed next to plasmatic membrane on immunofluorescence analysis. On 24 hours group, diffuse cytoplasmic T-Cadherin staining were evident. Another interesting aspect was T-Cadherin nuclear staining in all groups. Moreover, T-Cadherin possibly play role in T3-induced cardiac hypertrophy. However further studies are needed to verify this possibility.

No description available.

L’hypertension pulmonaire (HP) est une maladie dont l’étiologie est inconnue et qui entraîne ultimement une défaillance du ventricule droit (VD) et le décès. L’HP peut être induite chez le rat par la la monocrotaline (MCT), un alcaloïde pyrrolizidique extrait de la plante Crotalaria Spectabilis, causant des lésions à l’endothélium des artères pulmonaires, menant à un épaississement de ces dernières et à une augmentation de la résistance vasculaire. Ceci à pour conséquence de causer une hypertrophie du VD, de l’inflammation, une dysfonction endothéliale NO-dépendante des artères coronariennes et une augmentation des peptides natriurétiques circulants. Objectif: Nous avons testé l’hypothèse selon laquelle l’étiopathologie de l’HP impliquerait le récepteur à ocytocine (OTR) dû à son implication fonctionnelle avec les cytokines inflammatoires et la libération du peptide natriurétique atrial (ANP) et du NO. Méthodes: Des rats mâles Sprague-Dawley pesant 220-250g reçurent une seule injection sous-cutanée de MCT (60 mg/kg). 6 à 7 semaines (46±1 jours) suivant l’injection, les rats furent sacrifiés et l’expression génique et protéique fut déterminée par PCR en temps réel et par western blot, respectivement, dans le VD et le ventricule gauche (VG) Résultats: Les rats traités au MCT démontrèrent une augmentation significative du VD. Une hypertrophie du VD était évidente puisque le ratio du VD sur le VG ainsi que le poids du septum étaient près de 77% plus élevés chez les rats traités au MCT que chez les rats contrôles. Le traitement au MCT augmenta l’expression génique d’ANP (3.7-fois dans le VG et 8-fois dans le VD) ainisi que le NP du cerveau (2.7-fois dans le VG et 10-fois dans le VD). Les transcrits de trois récepteurs de NP augmentèrent significativement (0.3-2 fois) seulement dans le VD. L’expression protéique de la NO synthase (iNOS) fut également augmentée de façon sélective dans le VD. Par contre, les transcripts de NOS endothéliale et de NOS neuronale étaient plus élevés (0.5-2 fold) dans le VG. L’ARNm et l’expression protéique d’OTR furent diminués de 50% dans le VD, tandis qu’une augmentation de l’expression des cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 fut observée. L’ARNm de Nab1, un marqueur d’hypertrophie pathologique, fut augmentée de deux-fois dans le VD. Conclusion: L’augmentation d’expression génique de NP dans le VD des rats traités au MCT est associée à une augmentation des transcripts du récepteur NP, suggérant une action locale de NP dans le VD durant l’HP. L’expression d’OTR est atténuée dans le VD, possiblement par des cytokines inflammatoires puisque le promoteur du gène de l’OTR contient de multiples éléments de réponse aux interleukines. Diminuer l’expression d’OTR dans le VD durant l’hypertension pulmonaire pourrait influencer de manière positive la fonction cardiaque car l’OTR régule la contractilité et le rythme cardiaque. Mots clés: hypertension pulmonaire, hypertrophie du ventricule droit monocrotaline, récepteur à ocytocine, inflammation, peptides natriurétiques. / Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a disease of unknown etiology that ultimately causes failure of right ventricle (RV) with a lethal outcome. PH can be induced in the rat with monocrotaline (MCT), a pyrrolizidine alkaloid from the plant Crotolaria spectabilis that damages the pulmonary artery endothelium leading to thickening of the pulmonary arteries and increased vascular resistance. This subsequently results in RV hypertrophy, inflammation, nitric oxide (NO)-associated coronary endothelial dysfunction and increment of natriuretic peptides (NP) in the circulation. Objective: We verified hypothesis that the etiopathogenesis of PH involves the oxytocin receptor (OTR) because of its functional association with inflammatory cytokines and release of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and NO. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 220-250g received a single subcutaneous injection of 60 mg/kg of MCT. Six to 7 weeks (46±1 days) following the injection, rats were sacrificed and gene and protein expression were detected by real-time PCR and western-blot analysis, respectively, in the RV and LV (left ventricle). Results: MCT-treated rats displayed significant increases in RV weight. RV hypertrophy was evident as the ratio of the RV to LV plus septum weight was nearly 77% higher in MCT-treated rats compared to control rats. MCT treatment increased transcripts of ANP (3.7-fold in the LV and 8-fold in RV) and brain NP (2.7-fold in the LV and 10-fold in RV). Transcripts for three NP receptors significantly increased (0.3-2 fold) only in the RV. iNOS (inducible NO synthase) protein expression also increased selectively in the RV. In contrast, the endothelial NOS and neural NOS transcripts heightened (0.5-2 fold) in the LV. Both OTR mRNA and protein were decreased by 50% in the RV, whereas an up-regulation of cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 was observed. Nab1 mRNA, a marker of pathological hypertrophy, increased two-fold in the RV. Conclusion: Increased gene expression of NP in the RV of the MCT-treated rat correlates with upregulation of NP receptor transcripts indicating local NP action in the RV during PH. OTR expression is decreased in the RV possibly by inflammatory cytokines, IL-1 and IL-6 because OTR promoter region contains multiple putative interleukin-response elements. Lowering OTR in RV during pulmonary hypertension can influence cardiac function since OT regulates heart rate and cardiac contractility and is linked with cardioprotective system ANP and NO. Keywords: pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, monocrotaline, oxytocin receptor, inflammation, natriuretic peptides.

L’hypertrophie du ventricule gauche (HVG) est un processus adaptif et compensatoire qui se développe conséquemment à l’hypertension artérielle pour s’opposer à l’élévation chronique de la pression artérielle. L’HVG est caractérisée par une hypertrophie des cardiomyocytes suite à l’augmentation de la synthèse d’ADN, une prolifération des fibroblastes, une augmentation du dépôt de collagène et une altération de la matrice extracellulaire (MEC). Ces changements génèrent des troubles de relaxation et mènent au dysfonctionnement diastolique, ce qui diminue la performance cardiaque. La suractivité du système nerveux sympathique (SNS) joue un rôle essentiel dans le développement de l’hypertension artérielle et de l’HVG à cause de la libération excessive des catécholamines et de leurs effets sur la sécrétion des cytokines pro-inflammatoires et sur les différentes voies de signalisation hypertrophiques et prolifératives. Le traitement antihypertenseur avec de la moxonidine, un composé sympatholytique d’action centrale, permet une régression de l’HVG suite à une réduction soutenue de la synthèse d'ADN et d’une stimulation transitoire de la fragmentation de l'ADN qui se produit au début du traitement. En raison de l’interaction entre l’HVG, les cytokines inflammatoires, le SNS et leurs effets sur les protéines de signalisation hypertrophiques, l’objectif de cette étude est de détecter dans un modèle animal d’hypertension artérielle et d’HVG, les différentes voies de signalisation associées à la régression de l’HVG et à la performance cardiaque. Des rats spontanément hypertendus (SHR, 12 semaines) ont reçu de la moxonidine à 0, 100 et 400 µg/kg/h, pour une période de 1 et 4 semaines, via des mini-pompes osmotiques implantées d’une façon sous-cutanée. Après 4 semaines de traitement, la performance cardiaque a été mesurée par écho-doppler. Les rats ont ensuite été euthanasiés, le sang a été recueilli pour mesurer les concentrations des cytokines plasmatiques et les cœurs ont été prélevés pour la détermination histologique du dépôt de collagène et de l'expression des protéines de signalisation dans le ventricule gauche. Le traitement de 4 semaines n’a eu aucun effet sur les paramètres systoliques mais a permis d’améliorer les paramètres diastoliques ainsi que la performance cardiaque globale. Par rapport au véhicule, la moxonidine (400 µg/kg/h) a permis d’augmenter transitoirement la concentration plasmatique de l’IL-1β après une semaine et de réduire la masse ventriculaire gauche. De même, on a observé une diminution du dépôt de collagène et des concentrations plasmatiques des cytokines IL-6 et TNF-α, ainsi qu’une diminution de la phosphorylation de p38 et d’Akt dans le ventricule gauche après 1 et 4 semaines de traitement, et cela avec une réduction de la pression artérielle et de la fréquence cardiaque. Fait intéressant, les effets anti-hypertrophiques, anti-fibrotiques et anti-inflammatoires de la moxonidine ont pu être observés avec la dose sous-hypotensive (100 µg/kg/h). Ces résultats suggèrent des effets cardiovasculaires bénéfiques de la moxonidine associés à une amélioration de la performance cardiaque, une régulation de l'inflammation en diminuant les niveaux plasmatiques des cytokines pro-inflammatoires ainsi qu’en inhibant la MAPK p38 et Akt, et nous permettent de suggérer que, outre l'inhibition du SNS, moxonidine peut agir sur des sites périphériques. / Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an adaptive and compensatory process that develops in hypertension to oppose the chronic elevation of blood pressure. LVH is characterized by hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes following the increase in DNA synthesis, proliferation of fibroblasts, increased collagen deposition and alteration of the extracellular matrix (ECM). These changes generate relaxation and diastolic dysfunction which reduced cardiac performance. The overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system plays an essential role in the development of hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy pathogenesis due to the excessive release of catecholamines and norepinephrine spillover and their effects on the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and hypertrophic signaling pathways. Antihypertensive treatment with moxonidine, a centrally acting sympatholytic imidazoline compound, results in prevention of left ventricular hypertrophy, resulting from a sustained reduction of DNA synthesis and transient stimulation of DNA fragmentation that occur early after treatment. Due to the interaction between LVH, inflammatory cytokines, the SNS and their effects on hypertrophic signaling proteins, the objective of this study is to detect in an animal model of hypertension and LVH, the different signaling pathways associated with regression of LVH and cardiac performance. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR, 12 weeks old) received moxonidine at 0, 100 and 400 µg/kg/h, for 1 and 4 weeks, via subcutaneously implanted osmotic minipumps. After 4 weeks of treatment, cardiac performance was measured by echo-Doppler. Then the rats were euthanized, blood was collected for measurement of plasma cytokines and hearts for histologic determination of collagen deposition and for measurement of left ventricular expression of downstream signaling proteins. Treatment for 4 weeks had no effect on systolic parameters but improved diastolic parameters and global cardiac performance. Compared to vehicle, moxonidine (400 µg/kg/h) transiently increased plasma IL-1β after 1 week and reduced left ventricular mass. Similarly, there was a decrease in collagen deposition and plasma concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α, and decreased phosphorylation of p38 and Akt in the left ventricle after 1 and 4 weeks treatment, in association with reduced blood pressure and heart rate. Interestingly, the anti-hypertrophic, anti-fibrotic, and anti-inflammatory effects of moxonidine were observed with a sub-hypotensive dose (100µg/kg/h). These results suggest the beneficial cardiovascular effects of moxonidine associated with improved cardiac performance, regulation of inflammation by decreasing pro-inflammatory plasma levels, inhibition of p38 MAPK and Akt, and allow us to suggest that besides inhibiting the SNS, moxonidine may act on peripheral sites.

La moxonidine, un médicament antihypertenseur sympatholytique de type imidazolinique, agit au niveau de la médulla du tronc cérébral pour diminuer la pression artérielle, suite à l’activation sélective du récepteur aux imidazolines I1 (récepteur I1, aussi nommé nischarine). Traitement avec de la moxonidine prévient le développement de l’hypertrophie du ventricule gauche chez des rats hypertendus (SHR), associé à une diminution de la synthèse et une élévation transitoire de la fragmentation d’ADN, des effets antiprolifératifs et apoptotiques. Ces effets se présentent probablement chez les fibroblastes, car l’apoptose des cardiomyocytes pourrait détériorer la fonction cardiaque. Ces effets apparaissent aussi avec des doses non hypotensives de moxonidine, suggérant l’existence d’effets cardiaques directes. Le récepteur I1 se trouvé aussi dans les tissus cardiaques; son activation ex vivo par la moxonidine stimule la libération de l’ANP, ce qui montre que les récepteurs I1 cardiaques sont fonctionnels malgré l’absence de stimulation centrale. Sur la base de ces informations, en plus du i) rôle des peptides natriurétiques comme inhibiteurs de l’apoptose cardiaque et ii) des études qui lient le récepteur I1 avec la maintenance de la matrix extracellulaire, on propose que, à part les effets sympatholytiques centrales, les récepteurs I1 cardiaques peuvent contrôler la croissance-mort cellulaire. L’activation du récepteur I1 peut retarder la progression des cardiopathies vers la défaillance cardiaque, en inhibant des signaux mal adaptatifs de prolifération et apoptose. Des études ont été effectuées pour : 1. Explorer les effets in vivo sur la structure et la fonction cardiaque suite au traitement avec moxonidine chez le SHR et le hamster cardiomyopathique. 2. Définir les voies de signalisation impliquées dans les changements secondaires au traitement avec moxonidine, spécifiquement sur les marqueurs inflammatoires et les voies de signalisation régulant la croissance et la survie cellulaire (MAPK et Akt). 3. Explorer les effets in vitro de la surexpression et l’activation du récepteur I1 sur la survie cellulaire dans des cellules HEK293. 4. Rechercher la localisation, régulation et implication dans la croissance-mort cellulaire du récepteur I1 in vitro (cardiomyocytes et fibroblastes), en réponse aux stimuli associés au remodelage cardiaque : norépinephrine, cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) et oxydants (H2O2). Nos études démontrent que la moxonidine, en doses hypotensives et non-hypotensives, améliore la structure et la performance cardiaque chez le SHR par des mécanismes impliquant l’inhibition des cytokines et des voies de signalisation p38 MAPK et Akt. Chez le hamster cardiomyopathique, la moxonidine améliore la fonction cardiaque, module la réponse inflammatoire/anti-inflammatoire et atténue la mort cellulaire et la fibrose cardiaque. Les cellules HEK293 surexprimant la nischarine survivent et prolifèrent plus en réponse à la moxonidine; cet effet est associé à l’inhibition des voies ERK, JNK et p38 MAPK. La surexpression de la nischarine protège aussi de la mort cellulaire induite par le TNF-α, l’IL-1β et le H2O2. En outre, le récepteur I1 s’exprime dans les cardiomyocytes et fibroblastes, son activation inhibe la mort des cardiomyocytes et la prolifération des fibroblastes induite par la norépinephrine, par des effets différentiels sur les MAPK et l’Akt. Dans des conditions inflammatoires, la moxonidine/récepteur aux imidazolines I1 protège les cardiomyocytes et facilite l’élimination des myofibroblastes par des effets contraires sur JNK, p38 MAPK et iNOS. Ces études démontrent le potentiel du récepteur I1/nischarine comme cible anti-hypertrophique et anti-fibrose à niveau cardiaque. L’identification des mécanismes cardioprotecteurs de la nischarine peut amener au développement des traitements basés sur la surexpression de la nischarine chez des patients avec hypertrophie ventriculaire. Finalement, même si l’effet antihypertenseur des agonistes du récepteur I1 centraux est salutaire, le développement de nouveaux agonistes cardiosélectifs du récepteur I1 pourrait donner des bénéfices additionnels chez des patients non hypertendus. / Moxonidine, an antihypertensive sympatholytic imidazoline compound, reduces blood pressure by selective activation of non-adrenergic imidazoline I1-receptors (also known as nischarin) in brainstem medulla. Moxonidine prevents left ventricular hypertrophy development in hypertensive rats, associated with reduced cardiac DNA synthesis and early transient increase in DNA fragmentation. It is likely that the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects occur in fibroblasts, as cardiomyocyte apoptosis may deteriorate cardiac function. The effects also occurred to sub-hypotensive doses, suggesting a blood-pressure-independent mechanism and pointing to a local cardiac action. Imidazoline I1-receptors have been identified in cardiac tissues, and their ex vivo activation by moxonidine stimulates ANP release, demonstrating that cardiac imidazoline I1-receptors are functional without the contribution of the central nervous system. Based on the above studies and on i) the role of natriuretic peptides in inhibition of myocardial cell apoptosis and ii) studies linking imidazoline I1-receptors to the maintenance of the extracellular matrix and PC12 cell survival, we propose that apart from centrally-mediated sympatholytic function, imidazoline I1-receptors in the heart may control cell growth and death. Activation of imidazoline receptors may delay the progression of cardiac pathologies into heart failure by inhibition of maladaptive proliferative signalling and downstream apoptotic pathways. In order to test this hypothesis studies were performed to: 1. Explore the in vivo effects of moxonidine on cardiac structure and function in SHR and cardiomyopathic hamsters. 2. Define the pathways involved in the observed changes following moxonidine treatment, specifically, on inflammatory markers and pathways involved in LVH and cardiac cell survival/death (MAPK and Akt). 3. Explore in vitro the effect of imidazoline I1-receptor activation by moxonidine, on cell survival by over-expressing nischarin in HEK293 cells, to circumvent the lack of specific imidazoline I1-receptor agonists and antagonists. 4. Investigate in vitro, imidazoline I1-receptor localization (cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts), regulation and implication in cell growth/death in response to cardiac remodelling-associated stimuli: norepinephrine, cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α), and oxidants (H2O2). The studies reveal that hypotensive and sub-hypotensive concentrations of moxonidine improve cardiac structure and performance in SHR by mechanisms that involve inhibition of cytokines, p38MAPK, and Akt signalling pathways. In cardiomyopathic hamsters moxonidine improves cardiac performance, in association with differential inflammatory/anti-inflammatory responses that culminate in attenuated cardiomyocyte death and fibrosis and altered collagen type expression. HEK293 cells, transfected with nischarin cDNA, show increased viability/proliferation in response to moxonidine. The overall survival response is associated with moxonidine’s inhibition of ERK, JNK, and p38MAPK. Nischarin also opposes the reduced cell viability in response to oxidative stimuli (TNF-α, IL-1β and H2O2), with differential responses to moxonidine. Furthermore, the imidazoline I1-receptor is expressed in cardiac fibroblasts and myocytes and its activation inhibits norepinephrine-induced cardiomyocyte death and fibroblast proliferation, through differential effects on MAPKs and Akt. Moxonidine/imidazoline I1-receptor protects cardiomyocytes and facilitates elimination of myofibroblasts in inflammatory conditions, through opposite effects on JNK, p38MAPK and iNOS activity. These studies emphasize the potential importance of imidazoline I1-receptor/nischarin as an anti-hypertrophic and anti-fibrotic target. Identification of the cardio-protective mechanisms of cardiac nischarin could result in specifically-tailored cell/gene-driven nischarin treatments, which could be important for patients with heart disease. Also, while the antihypertensive action of centrally acting compounds is appreciated, new cardiac-selective I1-receptor agonists may confer additional benefit.

INTRODUÇÃO: Para os pacientes portadores de transposição das grandes artérias que perderam a chance da cirurgia de Jatene nas primeiras semanas de vida, indica-se realizar o preparo ventricular através da bandagem do tronco pulmonar (BTP), objetivando causar aumento na massa miocárdica. Entretanto, com o tempo, a câmara hipertrofiada pode apresentar disfunção contrátil; portanto, é importante conhecer a qualidade do tecido preparado, uma vez que já se sabe que tanto os miocardiócitos (MCD) quanto as células do interstício e vasos (I/V) são capazes de proliferar após o período neonatal. Baseando-se no condicionamento físico de atletas e considerando-se que os músculos cardíaco e esquelético são ambos estriados, postula-se a hipótese de que o tipo de preparo ventricular possa influenciar nas características do miocárdio treinado. OBJETIVOS: Identificar o tipo de mecanismo adaptativo (hipertrofia/hiperplasia) envolvido no preparo rápido do ventrículo pulmonar submetido à sobrecarga de pressão por meio de BTP, através da análise dos MCD e células do I/V, verificando se existem diferenças em relação ao tipo de treinamento (contínuo x intermitente) em comparação com os controles. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados experimentalmente 21 cabritos após o período neonatal, divididos em três grupos (C = grupo controle, n = 7, sem procedimento cirúrgico; EC = grupo de estimulação contínua, n = 7, com bandagem progressiva e permanente do tronco pulmonar durante 96 horas; EI = grupo de estimulação intermitente, n = 7, com bandagem progressiva, 12 horas ao dia, totalizando 48 horas). Todos foram submetidos a estudo ecocardiográfico basal e aqueles dos grupos EC e EI a ecocardiogramas diários para verificar a aquisição de massa muscular do ventrículo direito (VD). Após o estudo, os animais foram sacrificados, os corações retirados e cortes histológicos do VD, ventrículo esquerdo (VE) e septo interventricular (S) fixados em formalina e processados para análise. Foram estudados a porcentagem de área de colágeno através do Picro-sirius, o diâmetro dos MCD e seus respectivos núcleos e o número de MCD e células do I/V marcadas com Ki-67. As células marcadas foram avaliadas por campo microscópico e por índice (número de células Ki-67+/2000 células). O nível de significância considerado foi de 0,05. RESULTADOS: Ambos os grupos estimulados apresentaram ganho significativo de massa muscular do VD (p < 0,05). Não houve aumento na porcentagem de colágeno do VD nos grupos treinados (p = 0,403). Considerando-se o VD, os grupos EC e EI apresentaram diâmetro dos MCD maior que o grupo controle (p < 0,001), ocorrendo o mesmo com os respectivos núcleos (EI x C: p < 0,001 e EC x C: p = 0,005). O número de MCD marcados com Ki-67 foi maior no VD dos grupos estimulados comparado com o VE (p = 0,009, índice de proliferação; p = 0,001, contagem por campo), bem como para as células do I/V (p < 0,001, contagem por campo e índice). CONCLUSÕES: Tanto hipertrofia quanto hiperplasia celular estão envolvidas na adaptação do ventrículo pulmonar submetido à sobrecarga sistólica através da BTP. Ambos os tipos de condicionamento (contínuo e intermitente) provocaram hipertrofia e hiperplasia dos MCD, induziram também à mitose das células do I/V, sem deposição de colágeno intersticial ao final do experimento. / INTRODUCTION: Rapid ventricular conditioning induced by pulmonary artery banding (PAB) has been indicated to those patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) who have lost the chance for arterial switch operation ? Jatene?s procedure ? aiming at induce myocardial mass increase. However, with time, hypertrophied chamber may exhibit contractile dysfunction, so that, it is important to assess quality of the prepared tissue, once it is of knowledge that both cardiomyocytes (CMC) and interstitial/vessel (I/V) cells are capable of proliferating after neonatal period. Based on fitness of athletes and considering that cardiac and skeletal muscles are both striated, there is the hypothesis that the type of ventricular prepare may influence the characteristics of the training myocardium. OBJECTIVES: Through CMC and I/V cells analysis, identifies the type of adaptive mechanism (hypertrophy/ hyperplasia) involved in rapid prepare of subpulmonary ventricle submitted to pressure overload by PAB, and verifies if there are differences in relation to the kind of training (continuous x intermittent), comparing them to the controls. METHODS: Twenty-one goats, beyond neonatal period, were experimentally studied. They were divided in three groups: C (control group, n = 7, with no surgical procedure); CS (continuous stimulation group, n = 7, with progressive and permanent PAB, during 96 hours); IS (intermittent stimulation group, n = 7, with progressive PAB, 12 hours/day, totalizing 48 hours). All the animals were submitted to basal echocardiograms and those from CS and IS groups to diary echocardiograms to verify right ventricular (RV) muscular mass acquisition. After the study, goats were killed, hearts excised and histological sections from RV, left ventricle (LV) and ventricular septum (VS) were formalin fixed and histologically processed. Collagen area fraction (through Picro-sirius red staining), CMC and respective nuclei diameter, and number of CMC and I/V cells Ki-67 positive were studied. Marked cells were analysed per high-power fields and by index (Ki-67 positive cells/2000 cells). The statistical significant level was set at 5%. RESULTS: Both stimulated groups presented significant RV muscular mass increase (p < 0.05). There were no augmentation in RV collagen area fraction in training groups (p = 0.403). Considering the RV, CS and IS groups showed an increase in CMC diameter compared to the control group (p < 0.01), occurring the same to respective nuclei (EI x C: p < 0.001 e EC x C: p = 0.005). Number of CMC marked with Ki-67 was greater in RV from stimulated groups in relation to LV (p = 0.009, proliferation index; p = 0.001, number/high-power fields); the same occurred to I/V cells (proliferation index and number/high-power fields: p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia are involved in adaptation of the pulmonary ventricle submitted to pressure overload through PAB. Both types of conditioning (continuous and intermittent) caused CMC hypertrophy and hyperplasia, besides induced I/V cells mitosis, without interstitial collagen deposition at the end of experiment.

Objetivo: Alterações do metabolismo energético tem sido identificadas em processos de hipertrofia miocárdica, sendo algumas consideradas benéficas, porém outras estão associadas a insuficiência cardíaca. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a atividade de três enzimas do metabolismo energético em dois protocolos de sobrecarga sistólica do ventrículo direito (VD) num modelo experimental em cabritos. Métodos: 27 cabritos jovens foram divididos em três grupos: Sham (sem sobrecarga), Contínuo (sobrecarga sistólica constante) e Intermitente (4 períodos de 12 horas de sobrecarga sistólica, intercalados com 12 horas de descanso). Durante as 96 horas do protocolo, a sobrecarga sistólica foi ajustada a fim de atingir relação de pressão entre a aorta e o VD de 0,7. Medidas ecocardiográficas e hemodinâmicas foram realizadas antes e após o período de sobrecarga diariamente até o término do protoloco. Após o término do mesmo, os animais foram sacrificados a fim de obter dados morfológicos e a atividade máxima das enzimas Glicose 6 Fosfato Desidrogenase (G6PD), Hexoquinase (HK) e Lactato Desidrogenase (LDH). Resultados: Houve aumento de 92,1% e 46,5% nas massas do VD e septal no grupo Intermitente, respectivamente, quando comparado ao grupo Sham, enquanto que no grupo Contínuo houve incremento de 37,2% somente na massa septal. O VD e Septo dos grupos submetidos à sobrecarga sistólica contínua e intermitente do VD apresentaram um aumento discreto, porém significativo, do conteúdo de água (VD, p=0,0014; Septo, p=0,0004) em relação ao grupo Sham. Ao final do protocolo, foi observado um aumento significativo de 103,8% da espessura do VD no grupo Intermitente, comparado a um aumento de 38,4% do grupo Contínuo. Houve também dilatação ventricular significativa no grupo Contínuo ao longo do protocolo, quando comparado aos outros grupos (p<0,001). Piores índices de desempenho miocárdico ocorreram no grupo Contínuo no momentos 72 e 96 horas, quando comparados ao grupos Sham (P<0,039) e Intermitente (P<0,001). A razão da atividade máxima da G6PD do VD pelo VE revelou um aumento de 130,1% no grupo contínuo (p= 0,012) e de 39,8% no grupo Intermitente (p=0,764), quando comparados ao grupo Sham. O processo de hipertrofia aguda do VD não afetou a atividade enzimática da HK e LDH nos grupos estudados. Conclusões: Apesar de haver uma sobrecarga sistólica proporcionalmente menor no VD do grupo intermitente, a bandagem intermitente do TP promoveu maior hipertrofia do VD. A maior atividade da G6PD observada no grupo contínuo sugere maior produção de radicais livres via NADPH oxidase, haja vista que o ciclo das pentoses Fosfato incrementa a disponibilidade de NADPH citoplasmático, ocasionados pela maior demanda de um estímulo de sobrecarga miocárdica constante, um importante mecanismo de insuficiência cardíaca. Este estudo sugere que a preparação do ventrículo sub-pulmonar com a sobrecarga sistólica intermitente poderá proporcionar melhor resultado para a cirurgia de Jatene em dois estágios que a sobrecarga contínua / Objective: Altered energy metabolism has been identified in myocardial hypertrophy. Some processes are considered beneficial, whereas others are linked to heart failure. The purpose of this study was to compare the activity of three different energy metabolism enzymes in two different protocols of right ventricle (RV) systolic overload in young goats. Methods: 27 young goats were separated into three groups: Sham (no overload), Continuous (continuous systolic overload) and Intermittent (4 periods of 12-hour systolic overload, alternated with a 12-hour resting period). During a 96-hour protocol, systolic overload was adjusted to achieve a 0.7 RV / aortic pressure ratio. Echocardiographic and hemodynamic evaluations were performed before and after systolic overload every day postoperatively. After the study period, the animals were humanely killed for morphological and Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), hexoquinase (HK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity assessment. Results: There was a 92.1% and 46.5% increase in RV and septal masses of Intermittent group, respectively, as compared to Sham group, while Continuous systolic overload resulted in 37.2% increase of only septal mass. There was a small, but significant increase in water content in RV and septum of Intermittent and Continuous groups, as compared to Sham group (RV, p=0.0014; Septum, p=0.0004). At the end of protocol, it was observed a greater increase in RV thickness (103.8%) in Intermittent group, as compared to Continous group (38.4%). There was also a significant right ventricle dilatation in Continuos group along the protocol, as compared to the other groups (p<0.001). A worsening RV myocardial performance index occurred in the continuous group at 72 hours and 96 hours, compared with the sham (P<0.039) and intermittent groups (P<0.001). Compared to Sham, RV to LV G6PD activity ratio was elevated by 130.1% in Continuous group (p= 0,012) and by 39.8% in Intermittent group (p=0.764). The acute hypertrophic process in the RV did not altered the HK and LDH enzymatic activity among study groups. Conclusions: Despite of a proportional lesser exposure to systolic overload, intermittent pulmonary trunk banding promoted greater RV hypertrophy. This study indicates that continuous systolic overload for ventricle retraining causes upregulation and hyperactivity of myocardial G6PD. Since pentose phosphate pathway enhances cytosolic NADPH availability, this altered energy substrate metabolism can elevate levels of free radicals by NADPH oxidase, an important mechanism in the pathophysiology of heart failure. It suggests that Intermittent systolic overload may provide better results for 2-stage Jatene operation as compared to continuous protocol

O preparo do ventrículo sub-pulmonar através da bandagem do tronco pulmonar (TP) pode ser aplicado nos pacientes portadores de transposição das grandes artérias (TGA) que perderam a chance da cirurgia no período neonatal ou naqueles já submetidos à correção no plano atrial (Senning ou Mustard) e ainda nos portadores de transposição corrigida das grandes artérias (TCGA), que evoluíram com disfunção do ventrículo direito (sistêmico). Nesses casos, a bandagem do TP poderá induzir a hipertrofia do ventrículo sub-pulmonar (ventrículo esquerdo) na TGA, habilitando-o para o manuseio da circulação sistêmica após a cirurgia de Jatene. Entretanto, durante o preparo do ventrículo esquerdo (VE), observa-se elevada morbimortalidade, provavelmente relacionada a uma sobrecarga aguda de pressão, não tolerada pelo ventrículo. Isto se deve à dificuldade em ajustar o diâmetro da bandagem do TP, realizada em condições não fisiológicas, com o paciente anestesiado e com o tórax aberto. O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de comparar a eficiência de dois protocolos experimentais de sobrecarga pressórica contínua e intermitente do ventrículo direito (VD) para induzir a hipertrofia rápida do ventrículo subpulmonar. Foram utilizados 21 cabritos jovens (30 a 60 dias de idade), divididos em três grupos: controle (n = 7, peso = 7,5 ± 1,9 kg), contínuo (n = 7, peso = 9,3 ± 1,4 kg, sobrecarga sistólica contínua do VD), intermitente (n = 7, peso = 8,1 ± 0,8 kg, 12 horas/dia de sobrecarga sistólica do VD). A sobrecarga sistólica foi obtida através de um manguito hidráulico de silicone implantado no tronco pulmonar. O dispositivo foi insuflado percutaneamente, através de um botão auto selante de silicone, com o objetivo de se atingir uma relação de pressões entre VD e VE de 70%. Avaliações ecocardiográficas e hemodinâmicas foram feitas diariamente. A sobrecarga sistólica do VD foi mantida por 96 horas no grupo contínuo e por quatro períodos de 12 horas, alternados com 12 horas de descanso, no grupo intermitente. Os animais foram então sacrificados para avaliação do conteúdo de água do miocárdio. O grupo intermitente mostrou um aumento significativo (p < 0,05) das massas musculares do VD (1,7 g/kg ± 0,5 g/kg) e do septo (1,4 g/kg ± 0,3 g/kg), quando comparados às massas musculares do grupo controle (VD: 0,9 g/kg ± 0,2 g/kg; septo: 1,0 g/kg ± 0,2 g/kg), enquanto o grupo contínuo apresentou aumento apenas da massa do VD (p < 0,05). Um aumento da espessura da parede livre do VD foi obtido em ambos os grupos (contínuo: de 3,3 ± 0,5 mm para 5,1 ± 0,9 mm e intermitente: de 2,4 ± 0,5 mm para 6,3 ± 1,4 mm, p < 0,05). Entretanto, foi observado um maior volume diastólico do VD ao longo do protocolo no grupo contínuo, quando comparado ao grupo intermitente (p = 0,01). A disfunção do VD durante o protocolo de sobrecarga sistólica foi mais freqüentemente observada no grupo contínuo, com tendência a menores valores de fração de ejeção do VD em relação ao grupo Intermitente. Em relação ao perímetro do VD, foi observado um menor valor no grupo intermitente no final do protocolo (96 horas de treinamento), quando comparado ao primeiro dia de treinamento (tempo zero) do grupo contínuo (p < 0,05). O ganho de massa atingido em ambos os grupos provavelmente foi decorrente de síntese protéica aumentada, pois não houve diferença significante no conteúdo de água do miocárdio do VD entre os grupos de estudo e o grupo controle. A bandagem ajustável do TP permitiu uma rápida hipertrofia do VD durante um curto período de sobrecarga sistólica, em ambos os grupos. Entretanto, a sobrecarga sistólica intermitente permitiu um processo hipertrófico mais abrangente do VD que no grupo submetido a sobrecarga sistólica de forma contínua, considerando a maior hipertrofia septal. Este estudo sugere que a preparação do ventrículo sub-pulmonar com a sobrecarga sistólica intermitente, como um programa de condicionamento físico, poderá proporcionar melhor resultado para a cirurgia de Jatene em dois estágios, não apenas para pacientes portadores de TGA, como também para aqueles com ventrículo sistêmico falido na TCGA e ainda após as operações de Senning ou Mustard. / Preparation of the subpulmonary ventricle with pulmonary trunk (PT) banding may be applied not only in patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) beyond the neonatal period, but also in those who present with systemic ventricular failure in corrected TGA or after failed atrial baffle operations. PT banding can induce subpulmonary ventricle hypertrophy that must be able to assume the increased work load and support the systemic circulation. However, subpulmonary ventricle training carries a high morbidity and mortality rates, probably related to acute pressure overload, not tolerated by the ventricle. Adjustment of PT banding under non-physiological conditions is hard to achieve. We sought to assess two different programs of systolic overload (continuous and intermittent) on the pulmonary ventricle (RV) of young goats with the aim of inducing rapid ventricular hypertrophy. Twenty one healthy 60-days-old goats were divided in three groups: control (n = 7, wt = 7.5±1.9 kg, no surgical procedure), continuous stimulation (n = 7, wt = 9.3±1.4 kg, continuous RV systolic overload), and intermittent stimulation (n = 7, wt = 8.1 ± 0.8 kg, 12 hours a day RV systolic overload). Pressure load was achieved by an adjustable PT banding device. The device was implanted around the PT and inflated percutaneously so that a 0.7 RV/LV pressure ratio was achieved. Echocardiographic and hemodynamic evaluations were performed every day. Systolic overload was maintained for 96 hours in the continuous group, while the intermittent group had four 12-hour periods of systolic overload, alternated with a resting period of 12 hours. The animals were then killed for water content evaluation. The inttermitent group achieved a significant increase (p<0,05) of RV mass (1,7 g/kg ± 0,5 g/kg) and septum (1,4 g/kg ± 0,3 g/kg), as compared to the ones from control group (RV: 0,9 g/kg ± 0,2 g/kg; septum: 1,0 g/kg ± 0,2 g/kg), while the continuous group showed only an RV mass increase (p < 0,05). A significant increase in the RV wall thickness was observed in both groups (continuous: from 3.3 ± 0.5 mm to 5.1 ± 0.9 mm and intermittent: from 2.4±0.5 mm to 6.3±1.4 mm, p < 0.05). However, a higher RV diastolic volume was observed in the continuous group, when compared to intermittent group (p = 0.01). RV dysfunction was more frequently observed in the continuous group, with a trend for a lower ejection fraction throughout the protocol as compared to the intermittent group. RV perimeter was smaller in intermittent group at the end of the protocol (96 hours training), when compared to the baseline continuous group (p < 0.05). RV mass acquisition was probably related to increased protein synthesis in both groups, since there was no significant difference in RV myocardial water content between the study groups and the control group. Adjustable PT banding has permitted rapid RV hypertrophy during a short period of time in both groups. Nevertheless, intermittent systolic overload has permitted a hypertrophic process more comprising than continuous overload. This study suggests that preparation of the pulmonary ventricle with intermittent systolic overload, similar to a fitness program, might provide better results for 2-stage arterial switch operation not only in patients with TGA beyond the neonatal period but also in those who present with systemic ventricular failure in corrected TGA or after failed atrial baffle operations.

Pacientes portadores de transposição das grandes artérias submetidos previamente. Correção cirúrgica no plano atrial ou transposição corrigida das grandes artérias freqüentemente evoluem com disfunção do ventrículo direito morfológico. Para estes casos, tem sido proposta a correção anatômica, chamada cirurgia de Double Switch ou dupla inversão, invariavelmente realizada na adolescência ou na idade adulta. Com isso, grande parte destes pacientes necessita preparar o ventrículo esquerdo, através da bandagem do tronco pulmonar. Várias são as dificuldades no preparo do miocárdio adulto e resultados desapontadores são relatados nestes indivíduos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi promover e analisar o processo de adaptação do ventrículo direito em modelo animal adulto, comparando o método de bandagem fixa, utilizado tradicionalmente na prática clínica, com um novo método de bandagem intermitente, por um período de quatro semanas. Foram utilizadas 18 cabras adultas, divididas Em três grupos: Chama (n = 6, peso = 26,42. 2,63 Kg, bandagem frouxa, sem sobrecarga sistólica), Fixo (n = 6, peso = 26,33 . 2,32 kg, bandagem convencional com sobrecarga sistólica contínua do ventrículo direito), Intermitente (n = 6, peso = 25,17. 2,48 kg, bandagem com dispositivo ajustável e 12 horas diárias de sobrecarga sistólica do ventrículo direito). No grupo fixo, os animais foram submetidos bandagem do tronco pulmonar com fita umbilical, tentando alcançar uma relação pressórica entre ventrículo direito e aorta de 0,7 no momento da cirurgia. Nos animais do grupo Intermitente, a sobrecarga sistólica foi promovida por um dispositivo ajustável calibrado percutaneamente. A mesma relação pressórica foi almejada diariamente através da insuflação do dispositivo por 12 horas, alternada com 12 horas de desinsuflação do dispositivo. Aferições hemodinâmicas foram feitas três vezes por semana no grupo Intermitente e duas vezes por semana nos grupos Fixo e Sham. Exames ecocardiográficos foram realizados semanalmente em todos os animais. Após quatro semanas, os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia para avaliação das massas musculares, do conteúdo de água do miocárdio e estudo histológico. A área de sobrecarga pressórica, medida através do gradiente entre o ventrículo direito e o tronco pulmonar ao longo do estudo, foi maior no grupo Fixo (p<0,001). O estudo ecocardiográfico demonstrou aumento de até 37,2% na espessura da parede livre do ventrículo direito ao longo do protocolo no grupo Intermitente, o que foi significativamente maior que a variação na espessura dos grupos Sham e Fixo (p<0,05). Em relação ao peso do ventrículo direito normalizado para o peso do animal, os grupos Intermitente (1,24 g/Kg ± 0,16 g/Kg) e Fixo (1,08 g/Kg ± 0,17 g/Kg) apresentaram aumento da massa de 55,7% e 36,7% (p<0,05), respectivamente, em comparação ao grupo Sham (0,79 g/Kg ± 0,15 g/Kg). O conteúdo de água não variou entre os grupos estudados. As medidas dos diâmetros dos cardiomiócitos do ventrículo direito do grupo Intermitente apresentaram um incremento de 19,2% (p=0,036), em relação às medidas do grupo Sham. Paralelamente, houve aumento de 22,8% no diâmetro dos núcleos dos cardiomiócitos no ventrículo direito do grupo Intermitente, em comparação com o grupo Sham (p=0,049). Os animais do grupo Fixo exibiram um incremento de 98,0% na porcentagem de área de colágeno no VD, quando comparado ao grupo Sham (p<0,01), e de 69,2% em relação ao grupo Intermitente (p<0,05). A análise de proliferação celular não evidenciou diferença entre os grupos. Este estudo ratifica a necessidade de se buscar uma melhor forma de preparo dos miocárdios maduros, uma vez que o método tradicional de bandagem do tronco pulmonar promoveu maior área de sobrecarga pressórica, sem, no entanto, gerar hipertrofia significativa, além de apresentar maior teor de colágeno no miocárdio. Por outro lado, o método alternativo de preparo intermitente foi capaz de promover hipertrofia miocárdica com menor sobrecarga sistólica do ventrículo direito. Com isso, supõe-se que, com vistas à cirurgia de Double Switch, a bandagem intermitente parece ser uma alternativa promissora para promover o preparo ventricular de forma mais eficiente e menos lesiva que o método de bandagem fixa, nos pacientes adolescentes e adultos portadores de transposiço das grandes artérias ou de transposição corrigida das grandes artérias com falência ventricular direita / One of the late complications of patients with simple or congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries includes right (systemic) ventricular failure. The policy of anatomic repair (double switch operation) has often been proposed for adolescents and adults. However, a period of reconditioning the left ventricle through pulmonary artery banding is often required. Although it appears to be capable of providing adequate left ventricular training when done at an early age, it is not always suitable for mature myocardium, with disappointing results in older patients. This study sought to assess two different methods of promoting right ventricles hypertrophy in adult animals for a four-week period, by means of fixed and intermittent adjustable pulmonary artery banding system. Eighteen healthy adult goats were distributed into three groups: Sham (n = 6, weight = 26.42 kg Ž 2.63 kg, loose pulmonary artery banding, no systolic pressure overload), Fixed (n = 6, weight = 26.33 kg Ž 2.32 kg, continuous systolic overload with fixed pulmonary artery band) and Intermittent (n = 6, weight = 25.17 kg Ž 2.48 kg, daily 12-hour systolic overload with adjustable pulmonary artery band). Sham group animals received a loose pulmonary band, while in the Fixed group, an umbilical tape was used to band the pulmonary trunk, adjusted during the implantation to achieve a 0.7 right ventricle / aorta pressure ratio. In the Intermittent group, an adjustable pulmonary artery banding device was implanted on the pulmonary trunk and adjusted according to the volume injected percutaneously. The banding system was inflated daily until the 0.7 pressure ratio was achieved. Systolic overload was maintained for 12 hours, alternated with a 12-hour resting period. All animals were submitted to echocardiographic studies on a weekly basis, while hemodynamic evaluations were performed three times a week in the Intermittent group and twice a week in the Fixed and Sham groups. After four weeks, all animals were humanely killed for ventricular masses and water content assessment and histological evaluation. Intermittent group was submitted to a significant smaller systolic overload area, measured by right ventricle / pulmonary artery pressure gradient over time, as compared to Fixed group (p<0.001), and both of them showed a greater systolic overload area when compared to the Sham group (p<0.001). Echocardiographic findings revealed an increase in the right ventricle wall thickness, up to 37.2%, in the Intermittent group during the protocol, and this increase was significantly greater than in Sham and Fixed groups (p<0.05). Regarding the right ventricular mass, both Intermittent (1.24 g/kg ± 0.16 g/kg) and Fixed (1.08 g/Kg ± 0.17 g/kg) groups showed a 55.7% and 36.7% increase respectively (p<0.05) compared to Sham group (0.79 g/Kg ± 0.15 g/kg). No differences in left ventricular and interventricular septum masses were observed among the three groups. Likewise, water content was not significantly different between groups. Intermittent group showed a 19.2% increase in right ventricle myocardial fiber diameter and a 22.8% increase in myocardial fiber nuclei diameter, compared to Sham group (p<0.05). Fixed group showed a 98% increase in right ventricle´s collagen percentage area, when compared to Sham group (p<0.01), and a 69.2% increase compared to Intermittent group (p<0.05). There was no significant cellular proliferation in any groups. This study shows the urgency in seeking for an alternative method of promoting hypertrophy in mature myocardium, since traditional pulmonary artery banding caused increase in collagen area without significant hypertrophy and experimental adjustable intermittent pulmonary artery banding promoted hypertrophy with less systolic overload without increasing collagen area. In conclusion, it suggests that a more effective and less harmful hypertrophy can be achieved with intermittent pulmonary artery banding, as compared to the fixed method, to prepare the left ventricle for the double switch operation in adolescent and adult patients with simple and congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries with failed systemic right ventricle