Canine DNA array as a potential tool for combining physiology and molecular biology.

The combining of molecular biology and physiology is essential for the further development of cardiovascular medicine, and DNA microarray is a useful tool for assessing multiple gene expressions. A canine DNA microarray has been designed and tested. Approximately 60 cardiovascular-related genes were cloned from newly developed canine cDNA libraries and spotted on slides. Using the arrays, the gene expression profiles of canine myocardium in were analyzed 2 protocols: (1). ischemic myocardium by 50% reduction of the coronary blood flow, and (2). necrotic myocardium caused by coronary artery ligation. Three hours after 50% flow reduction, cardiovascular-related genes, including ecto-5'-nucleotidase, endothelin-1, PAI-1, and AT receptors, exhibited rapid alteration and there were many more altered genes than with the complete coronary occlusion. Irreversible ischemic damage without necrosis more strongly affected gene expressions in surviving myocardium than in fatally damaged myocardium. The canine DNA microarray is a useful tool for assessing the precise molecular events following changes in the pathophysiological conditions of the heart.