Ning B, Zhang F, Song X, Hao Q, Li Y, Li R, Dang Y. Cardiac contractility modulation attenuates structural and electrical remodeling in a chronic heart failure rabbit model.
J Int Med Res 2021;
48:300060520962910. [PMID:
33044118 PMCID:
PMC7556184 DOI:
10.1177/0300060520962910]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) is non-excitatory electrical stimulation for improving cardiac function. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of CCM on structural and electrical remodeling in a rabbit model of chronic heart failure (CHF).
Methods
Thirty rabbits were randomly divided into the sham, CHF, and CCM groups. The CHF model was induced 12 weeks after trans-aortic constriction by pressure unloading and CCM was delivered to the myocardium for 4 weeks. Corrected QT intervals, the ventricular effective refractory period, and inducibility of ventricular tachycardia were measured by an electrophysiological examination. Connective tissue growth factor, galectin-3, Kv4.3, KCNQ1, KCNH2, and connexin 43 protein levels were measured by western blotting.
Results
The CHF group had a significantly prolonged corrected QT interval and ventricular effective refractory period, and increased inducibility of ventricular tachycardia. Prominent myocardial fibrosis and increased hydroxyproline content were observed in the CHF group, but these were suppressed in the CCM group. Kv4.3, KCNQ1, KCNH2, and connexin 43 protein levels were significantly lower in the CHF group, but treatment with CCM partially restored their levels.
Conclusions
CCM attenuates myocardial structural and electrical remodeling during CHF. These findings provide evidence for clinical use of CCM in treating CHF.
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