Functional characterization of fibronectin-separated valve interstitial cell subpopulations in three-dimensional culture.

Background And Aim Of The Study: Myxomatous mitral valves (MVs) contain elevated proportions of myofibroblasts, a valve interstitial cell (VIC) subpopulation that may be important in disease pathogenesis. A novel technique was recently developed for the isolation of VIC myofibroblasts using time-dependent adhesion to fibronectin (FN). Cells that adhere rapidly to FN ('FAST') demonstrate myofibroblast cell phenotype markers, in contrast to cells that fail to adhere after a longer time ('SLOW').

Extracellular matrix remodeling and cell phenotypic changes in dysplastic and hemodynamically altered semilunar human cardiac valves.

Introduction: Congenital cardiac valve disease is common, affecting ∼1% of the population, with substantial morbidity and mortality, but suboptimal treatment options. Characterization of the specific matrix and valve cell phenotypic abnormalities in these valves could lend insight into disease pathogenesis and potentially pave the way for novel therapies.

Methods: Thirty-five human aortic and pulmonic valves were categorized based on gross and microscopic assessment into control valves (n=21); dysplastic valves, all except one also displaying hemodynamic changes (HEMO/DYSP, n=6); and hemodynamically altered valves (HEMO, n=8).

The use of collagenase III for the isolation of porcine aortic valvular interstitial cells: rationale and optimization.

Background And Aim Of The Study: Substantial heart valve research relies on the isolation of valvular interstitial cells (VICs). While a wide variety of conditions have been reported for VIC isolation, the effectiveness of these methods has rarely been compared. It is also likely that valve donor age will influence these valvular tissue dissociation conditions.

Phenotypic characterization of isolated valvular interstitial cell subpopulations.

Background And Aim Of The Study: Valvular interstitial cells (VICs) demonstrate a heterogeneous range of phenotypes such as variable expression of smooth muscle alpha-actin (SMalphaA). Myofibroblast-like VICs, expressing high levels of SMalphaA, are thought to be involved in myxomatous degeneration of mitral valves. The inability to isolate specific cell types has restricted potential investigations of valvular disease mechanisms.