Focal regeneration in the rat myocardium following cold injury.

The sequential cytological events in the myocardium of the rat were followed for 3 weeks after cold injury by light and electron microscopy. The traumatized area was initially filled with leukocytes and undifferentiated mononucleated cells and subsequently mainly with fibroblasts surrounded by collagen fibers. However, in the margins of the necrotic area repair processes of damaged myocardial cells and probably also the appearance of newly formed cells were evident. The ultrastructural features of these cells were characterized by clusters of ribosomes, numerous mitochondria that were dispersed in the cytoplasm and formation of junctional complexes and transverse tubular systems. Fibrillogenesis was also clearly evident in these cardiomyocytes. The myofibrillar material was initially dispersed in the cytoplasm and associated with clusters of ribosomes and thereafter with presumptive Z-bands and intercalated discs. The myofibrils became further organized in the shape and orientation of those of mature cells two to three weeks after injury. It is concluded that following cold injury regeneration in the mammalian myocardium takes place but is limited to the perinecrotic area. The process resembles the sequential cytological events which occur in cardiomyocytes during embryonic and postnatal development of the ventricular myocardium.