Integration of concepts: cardiac extracellular matrix remodeling after myocardial infarction.

The cardiac extracellular matrix consists of a three-dimensional structural network of interstitial collagens to which other matrix components are attached. The main physiological functions of this network are to retain tissue integrity and cardiac pump function. Collagen deposition is controlled and can be modulated by hormonal factors, growth factors, cytokines, regulatory proteins and/or hemodynamic factors.

Deficiency of TIMP-1 exacerbates LV remodeling after myocardial infarction in mice.

Recent studies have been directed at modulating the heart failure process through inhibition of activated matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). We hypothesized that a loss of MMP inhibitory control by tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1 deficiency alters the course of postinfarction chamber remodeling and induced chronic myocardial infarction (MI) in wild-type (WT) and TIMP-1(-/-) mice. Left ventricular (LV) pressure-volume loops obtained from WT and TIMP-1(-/-) mice demonstrated that LV end-diastolic volume [52 +/- 4 (WT) vs.