Localization of changes in beta-actin expression in remodeled canine myocardium.

Beta-actin is a cytoskeletal protein that has been implicated as a potentially important mediator of the growth, signaling, migration, and remodeling of cells. Beta-actin is upregulated in remodeling myocardium in response to either pressure or volume overload. The cellular localization of this response has, however, not been determined and is a necessary first step to begin to clarify the role of beta-actin in myocardial remodeling.

Echocardiographic characteristics of successful deployment of the Das AngelWings atrial septal defect closure device: initial multicenter experience in the United States.

The AngelWings device is a newer transcatheter device used for closure of secundum atrial septal defects (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO), which consists of a self-centering, 2-disk system. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) plays a pivotal role in the deployment of the 2 disks of this device, on the appropriate sides of the atrial septum. The objective of this study is to describe the echocardiographic findings associated with successful deployment of the AngelWings device for closure of ASD and PFO.

Relationships between myocardial bioenergetic and left ventricular function in hearts with volume-overload hypertrophy.

Background: Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy secondary to volume overload can result in alterations in myocardial bioenergetics and LV dysfunction. This study examined whether bioenergetic abnormalities contribute to the pump dysfunction.

Methods And Results: Severe mitral regurgitation (MR) was produced in 10 dogs by disruption of the chordal apparatus.

Measurement of pulmonary artery diastolic pressure from a right ventricular pressure transducer in patients with heart failure.

Recent studies have demonstrated that pulmonary artery diastolic (PAD) pressure can be measured from a transducer positioned in the right ventricle (RV) based on the finding that PAD and RV pressures are equal at the time of pulmonary valve opening, which is associated with the time of maximum positive rate of pressure development (dP/dtmax) in the ventricle. The objective of this study was to assess the correlation between estimated PAD (ePAD) pressure, obtained through a RV transducer, and actual PAD (aPAD) pressure in patients with heart failure who have abnormal hemodynamics, reduced systolic function, and variable degrees of mitral regurgitation (MR) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Simultaneous measurements of pulmonary artery and RV pressures were obtained with a high-fidelity Millar catheter (Millar Instruments, Houston, TX) in 10 patients with New York Heart Association class III-IV heart failure who were being evaluated for cardiac transplantation.

Changes in beta-actin mRNA expression in remodeling canine myocardium.

Beta-actin, a cytoskeletal protein important in the maintenance of cytoarchitecture, has long been thought to be expressed constitutively in myocardial tissue. As such, beta-actin mRNA has been used as a control gene in a wide range of experiments. However, we have uncovered consistent changes in beta-actin mRNA expression in canine myocardium remodeling as a result of insult to the left ventricle.