Alterations in the organisation, ultrastructure and biochemistry of the myocardial collagen matrix in doberman pinschers with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Remodelling of the collagen matrix of the myocardium has been implicated in the pathogenesis of dilated cardiomyopathy, a major cause of heart failure in Doberman pinschers. The aim of this study was to characterise the myocardial collagen matrix of Dobermans. In clinically normal Dobermans there was evidence of focal fibrosis. Collagen cross-links were altered in both diseased and clinically normal Doberman myocardium as compared with myocardium from control dogs. Extensive remodelling, in the form of a loss of collagen tethers, increased collagen synthesis and alterations in the collagen cross-links, occurs in diseased Doberman myocardium. Changes in the collagenous matrix are also present in apparently normal Dobermans. These changes are likely to be involved in the progression of the disease and may explain the predisposition of this breed to dilated cardiomyopathy.