BACKGROUND: Cell populations present in human semilunar valves have not been investigated thoroughly. The aim of this study was to characterize the cell phenotypes in pulmonary valve leaflets (PVL) in comparison with aortic (AVL) valve leaflets. METHODS: AVL and PVL were dissected from hearts (n = 4) harvested from transplanted patients. Leaflets were processed for immunocytochemistry analysis and Western blotting procedures using a panel of monoclonal antibodies specific for cytoskeletal/contractile antigens. RESULTS: The fibrosa and the ventricularis layers of AVL had a higher cellularity than PVL. In PVL and AVL most cells were reactive for vimentin and nonmuscle (NM) myosin, though vimentin-positive cells were more abundant in AVL than in PVL. Sparse cells positive to anti-smooth muscle (SM) alpha-actin, calponin, and anti-SM myosin antibodies were found only at the outer edge of fibrosa. In Western blotting, AVL and PVL extracts were shown to be equally reactive for vimentin, SM alpha-actin, and NM myosin, whereas both valves were negative for SM myosin and SM22. CONCLUSIONS: Three distinct cell phenotypes have been identified in both valves: fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and fetal-type SM cells whose distribution is specifically related to the valve layers. Although PVL and AVL cell populations differ quantitatively, some minor qualitative differences exist for vimentin and NM myosin distribution. These data are essential for studies aimed at repopulating valve scaffolds by using tissue engineering technology.
BACKGROUND: Cell populations present in human semilunar valves have not been investigated thoroughly. The aim of this study was to characterize the cell phenotypes in pulmonary valve leaflets (PVL) in comparison with aortic (AVL) valve leaflets. METHODS: AVL and PVL were dissected from hearts (n = 4) harvested from transplanted patients. Leaflets were processed for immunocytochemistry analysis and Western blotting procedures using a panel of monoclonal antibodies specific for cytoskeletal/contractile antigens. RESULTS: The fibrosa and the ventricularis layers of AVL had a higher cellularity than PVL. In PVL and AVL most cells were reactive for vimentin and nonmuscle (NM) myosin, though vimentin-positive cells were more abundant in AVL than in PVL. Sparse cells positive to anti-smooth muscle (SM) alpha-actin, calponin, and anti-SM myosin antibodies were found only at the outer edge of fibrosa. In Western blotting, AVL and PVL extracts were shown to be equally reactive for vimentin, SM alpha-actin, and NM myosin, whereas both valves were negative for SM myosin and SM22. CONCLUSIONS: Three distinct cell phenotypes have been identified in both valves: fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and fetal-type SM cells whose distribution is specifically related to the valve layers. Although PVL and AVL cell populations differ quantitatively, some minor qualitative differences exist for vimentin and NM myosin distribution. These data are essential for studies aimed at repopulating valve scaffolds by using tissue engineering technology.
Authors: Elizabeth H Stephens; Jennifer Shangkuan; Joyce J Kuo; Joshua L Carroll; Debra L Kearney; Kathleen E Carberry; Charles D Fraser; K Jane Grande-Allen Journal: Cardiovasc Pathol Date: 2010-09-02 Impact factor: 2.185
Authors: Chad E Eckert; Brandon T Mikulis; Danielle Gottlieb; Dane Gerneke; Ian LeGrice; Robert F Padera; John E Mayer; Frederick J Schoen; Michael S Sacks Journal: Ann Biomed Eng Date: 2010-09-18 Impact factor: 3.934
Authors: Antonios G Mikos; Susan W Herring; Pannee Ochareon; Jennifer Elisseeff; Helen H Lu; Rita Kandel; Frederick J Schoen; Mehmet Toner; David Mooney; Anthony Atala; Mark E Van Dyke; David Kaplan; Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic Journal: Tissue Eng Date: 2006-12
Authors: Najma Latif; Alfred Quillon; Padmini Sarathchandra; Ann McCormack; Alec Lozanoski; Magdi H Yacoub; Adrian H Chester Journal: PLoS One Date: 2015-06-04 Impact factor: 3.240