1
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Rocha LIQ, Oliveira MFDS, Dias LC, Franco de Oliveira M, de Moura CEB, Magalhães MDS. Heart morphology during the embryonic development of Podocnemis unifilis Trosquel 1948 (Testudines: Podocnemididae). Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2023; 306:193-212. [PMID: 35808951 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Cardiogenesis is similar in all vertebrates, but differences in the valvuloseptal morphogenesis among non-crocodilian reptiles, birds, and mammals are noted. The origin of mesenchymal structures such as valves that regulate the passage of blood and the formation of partial septa that prevent the complete mixing of oxygen-rich and low-oxygen blood present in adult chelonians are essential in the evolutionary understanding of complete septation, endothermy and malformations, even in mammals. In this context, this study analyzed the heart morphogenesis of Podocnemis unifilis (Testudines: Podocnemididae) from the 4th to the 60th day of incubation. We identified the tubular heart stage, folding of the cardiac tube and expansion of the atrial and ventricular compartments followed by atrial septation by the septum primum, ventricle septation by partial septa, outflow tract septation and the formation of bicuspid valves with cartilage differentiation at the base. The formation of the first atrial septum with the mesenchymal cap is noted during the development of the atrial septum, joining the atrioventricular cushion on the 17th day and completely dividing the atria. Small secondary perforations appeared in the mid-cranial part, observed up to the 45th day. Partial ventricle septation into the pulmonary, venous, and arterial subcompartments takes place by trabeculae carneae thickening and grouping on the 15th day. The outflow tract forms the aorticopulmonary and interaortic septa on the 16th day and the bicuspid valves, on the 20th day. Therefore, after the first 20 days, the heart exhibits a general anatomical conformation similar to that of adult turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Ianca Queiroz Rocha
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia de Água Doce e Pesca Interior, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Maria Fabiele da Silva Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia de Água Doce e Pesca Interior, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Lucas Castanhola Dias
- Laboratório Temático de Microscopia e Nanotecnologia, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Moacir Franco de Oliveira
- Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | | | - Marcela Dos Santos Magalhães
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia de Água Doce e Pesca Interior, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil.,Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
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2
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Kvasilova A, Gregorovicova M, Olejnickova V, Kolesova H, Sedmera D. Myocardial development in crocodylians. Dev Dyn 2022; 251:2029-2047. [PMID: 36045487 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent reports confirmed the notion that there exists a rudimentary cardiac conduction system (CCS) in the crocodylian heart, and development of its ventricular part is linked to septation. We thus analyzed myocardial development with the emphasis on the CCS components and vascularization in two different crocodylian species. RESULTS Using optical mapping and HNK-1 immunostaining, pacemaker activity was localized to the right-sided sinus venosus. The atrioventricular conduction was restricted to dorsal part of the atrioventricular canal. Within the ventricle, the impulse was propagated from base-to-apex initially by the trabeculae, later by the ventricular septum, in which strands of HNK-1 positivity were temporarily observed. Completion of ventricular septation correlated with transition of ventricular epicardial activation pattern to mature apex-to-base direction from two periapical foci. Despite a gradual thickening of the ventricular wall, no morphological differentiation of the Purkinje network was observed. Thin-walled coronary vessels with endothelium positive for QH1 obtained a smooth muscle coat after septation. Intramyocardial vessels were abundant especially in the rapidly thickening left ventricular wall. CONCLUSIONS Most of the CCS components present in the homeiotherm hearts can be identified in the developing crocodylian heart, with a notable exception of the Purkinje network distinct from the trabeculae carneae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Kvasilova
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Gregorovicova
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Physiology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Olejnickova
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Physiology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Kolesova
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Physiology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Sedmera
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Physiology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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3
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Starck JM, Wyneken J. Comparative and Functional Anatomy of the Ectothermic Sauropsid Heart. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2022; 25:337-366. [PMID: 35422257 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The heart development, form, and functional specializations of chelonians, squamates, crocodilians, and birds characterize how diverse structure and specializations arise from similar foundations. This review aims to summarize the morphologic diversity of sauropsid hearts and present it in an integrative functional and phylogenetic context. Besides the detailed morphologic descriptions, the integrative view of function, evolution, and development will aid understanding of the surprising diversity of sauropsid hearts. This integrated perspective is a foundation that strengthens appreciation that the sauropsid hearts are the outcome of biological evolution; disease often is linked to arising mismatch between adaptations and modern environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Matthias Starck
- Department of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Planegg-Martinsried D82152, Germany.
| | - Jeanette Wyneken
- Florida Atlantic University, FAU Marine Lab at Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991, USA
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4
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Jensen B, Lauridsen H, Webb GJW, Wang T. Anatomy of the heart of the leatherback turtle. J Anat 2022; 241:535-544. [PMID: 35412658 PMCID: PMC9296022 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Non‐crocodylian reptiles have hearts with a single ventricle, which is partially separated by a muscular ridge that provides some separation of blood flows. An exceptional situation exists in monitor lizards and pythons, where the ventricular left side generates a much higher systolic blood pressure than the right side, thus resembling mammals and birds. This functional division of the ventricle depends on a large muscular ridge and may relate to high metabolic demand. The large leatherback turtle (<1000 kg), with its extensive migrations and elevated body temperatures, may have similar adaptations. We report on the anatomy of the hearts of two leatherback turtles. One stranded in Ballum, Denmark in 2020, and was examined in detail, supplemented by observations and photos of an additional stranding specimen from Canada. The external morphology of the leatherback heart resembles that of other turtles, but it is large. We made morphometric measurements of the Ballum heart and created an interactive 3D model using high‐resolution MRI. The volume of the ventricle was 950 ml, from a turtle of 300 kg, which is proportionally almost twice as large as in other reptiles. The Ballum heart was compared to MRI scans of the hearts of a tortoise, a python, and a monitor lizard. Internally, the leatherback heart is typical of non‐crocodylian reptiles and did not contain the well‐developed septation found in pythons and monitor lizards. We conclude that if leatherback turtles have exceptional circulation needs, they are sustained with a relatively large but otherwise typical non‐crocodylian reptile heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjarke Jensen
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henrik Lauridsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Grahame J W Webb
- Wildlife Management International, Karama, Australia.,Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Tobias Wang
- Department of Biology-Zoophysiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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5
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Brette F, Le Guennec JY, Thireau J. Why are you talking with snakes? To get new evolutionary insights in cardiac electrophysiology! J Gen Physiol 2022; 154:213071. [PMID: 35297958 PMCID: PMC8939362 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202113060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Brette, Le Guennec, and Thireau discuss recent findings on evolutionary cardiac electrophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Brette
- University of Bordeaux, CRCTB U1045, INSERM, Bordeaux, France.,IHU Liryc, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Bordeaux, France.,PhyMedExp INSERM, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Yves Le Guennec
- PhyMedExp INSERM, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jérôme Thireau
- PhyMedExp INSERM, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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6
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Chang YH, Sheftel BI, Jensen B. Anatomy of the heart with the highest heart rate. J Anat 2022; 241:173-190. [PMID: 35128670 PMCID: PMC9178362 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Shrews occupy the lower extreme of the seven orders of magnitude mammals range in size. Their hearts are large relative to body weight and heart rate can exceed a thousand beats a minute. It is not known whether traits typical of mammal hearts scale to these extremes. We assessed the heart of three species of shrew (genus Sorex) following the sequential segmental analysis developed for human hearts. Using micro‐computed tomography, we describe the overall structure and find, in agreement with previous studies, a large and elongate ventricle. The atrial and ventricular septums and the atrioventricular (AV) and arterial valves are typically mammalian. The ventricular walls comprise mostly compact myocardium and especially the right ventricle has few trabeculations on the luminal side. A developmental process of compaction is thought to reduce trabeculations in mammals, but in embryonic shrews the volume of trabeculations increase for every gestational stage, only slower than the compact volume. By expression of Hcn4, we identify a sinus node and an AV conduction axis which is continuous with the ventricular septal crest. Outstanding traits include pulmonary venous sleeve myocardium that reaches farther into the lungs than in any other mammals. Typical proportions of coronary arteries‐to‐aorta do not scale and the shrew coronary arteries are proportionally enormous, presumably to avoid the high resistance to blood flow of narrow vessels. In conclusion, most cardiac traits do scale to the miniscule shrews. The shrew heart, nevertheless, stands out by its relative size, elongation, proportionally large coronary vessels, and extent of pulmonary venous myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Hee Chang
- Department of Medical Biology University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Boris I. Sheftel
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution RAS (Russian Academy of Sciences) Moscow Russian Federation
| | - Bjarke Jensen
- Department of Medical Biology University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC Amsterdam The Netherlands
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7
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Cieri RL, Turner ML, Carney RM, Falkingham PL, Kirk AM, Wang T, Jensen B, Novotny J, Tveite J, Gatesy SM, Laidlaw DH, Kaplan H, Moorman AFM, Howell M, Engel B, Cruz C, Smith A, Gerichs W, Lian Y, Schultz JT, Farmer CG. Virtual and augmented reality: New tools for visualizing, analyzing, and communicating complex morphology. J Morphol 2021; 282:1785-1800. [PMID: 34689352 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) are new technologies with the power to revolutionize the study of morphology. Modern imaging approaches such as computed tomography, laser scanning, and photogrammetry have opened up a new digital world, enabling researchers to share and analyze morphological data electronically and in great detail. Because this digital data exists on a computer screen, however, it can remain difficult to understand and unintuitive to interact with. VR/AR technologies bridge the analog-to-digital divide by presenting 3D data to users in a very similar way to how they would interact with actual anatomy, while also providing a more immersive experience and greater possibilities for exploration. This manuscript describes VR/AR hardware, software, and techniques, and is designed to give practicing morphologists and educators a primer on using these technologies in their research, pedagogy, and communication to a wide variety of audiences. We also include a series of case studies from the presentations and workshop given at the 2019 International Congress of Vertebrate Morphology, and suggest best practices for the use of VR/AR in comparative morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Cieri
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia
| | - Morgan L Turner
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ryan M Carney
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Peter L Falkingham
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Alexander M Kirk
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Tobias Wang
- Department of Biology, Zoophysiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bjarke Jensen
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes Novotny
- VRVis Zentrum für Virtual Reality und Visualisierung Forschungs-GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joshua Tveite
- Department of Computer Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Stephen M Gatesy
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - David H Laidlaw
- Department of Computer Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Howard Kaplan
- Advanced Visualization Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Antoon F M Moorman
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mark Howell
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Benjamin Engel
- School of Dentistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Cole Cruz
- School of Computing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Adam Smith
- School of Computing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - William Gerichs
- School of Computing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Yingjie Lian
- School of Computing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Johanna T Schultz
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia
| | - C G Farmer
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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8
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Abramochkin DV, Kuzmin VS, Matchkov V, Kamensky AA, Wang T. The snake heart pacemaker is localized near the sinoatrial valve. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:271070. [PMID: 34318309 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.242778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
To provide the first description of the exact location of primary pacemaker of the squamate heart, we used sharp microelectrode impalements and optical mapping of isolated sinus venosus preparations from Burmese pythons. We located the dominant pacemaker site at the base of the right leaflet of the sinoatrial valve (SAV), but latent pacemakers were also identified in a circular region around the SAV. Acetylcholine (10-5 mol l-1) or noradrenaline (10-6 mol l-1) induced shifts of the leading pacemaker site to other points near the SAV. The ionic currents of most of the cardiomyocytes isolated enzymatically from the SAV region resembled those of typical working myocytes from the sinus venosus. However, seven cells lacked the background inward rectifier current (IK1) and had a time-dependent hyperpolarization-induced inward current identified as the 'funny' pacemaker current (If). Therefore, the region proximal to SAV demonstrates pacemaking activity and contains cells that resemble the electrophysiological properties of mammalian pacemaker myocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis V Abramochkin
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory, 1, 12, 119234 Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology, National Medical Research Center for Cardiology, 3rd Cherepkovskaya, 15a, 121552 Moscow, Russia.,Department of Physiology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ostrovityanova, 1a, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladislav S Kuzmin
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory, 1, 12, 119234 Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology, National Medical Research Center for Cardiology, 3rd Cherepkovskaya, 15a, 121552 Moscow, Russia.,Department of Physiology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ostrovityanova, 1a, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Matchkov
- MEMBRANES, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health, University of Aarhus, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Andrey A Kamensky
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory, 1, 12, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Tobias Wang
- Section of Zoophysiology, Institute of Biology, University of Aarhus, 8000C Aarhus, Denmark
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9
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Jensen B, Christoffels VM. Reptiles as a Model System to Study Heart Development. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2020; 12:cshperspect.a037226. [PMID: 31712265 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a037226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A chambered heart is common to all vertebrates, but reptiles show unparalleled variation in ventricular septation, ranging from almost absent in tuataras to full in crocodilians. Because mammals and birds evolved independently from reptile lineages, studies on reptile development may yield insight into the evolution and development of the full ventricular septum. Compared with reptiles, mammals and birds have evolved several other adaptations, including compact chamber walls and a specialized conduction system. These adaptations appear to have evolved from precursor structures that can be studied in present-day reptiles. The increase in the number of studies on reptile heart development has been greatly facilitated by sequencing of several genomes and the availability of good staging systems. Here, we place reptiles in their phylogenetic context with a focus on features that are primitive when compared with the homologous features of mammals. Further, an outline of major developmental events is given, and variation between reptile species is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjarke Jensen
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent M Christoffels
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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10
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Abramochkin DV, Matchkov V, Wang T. A characterization of the electrophysiological properties of the cardiomyocytes from ventricle, atrium and sinus venosus of the snake heart. J Comp Physiol B 2019; 190:63-73. [DOI: 10.1007/s00360-019-01253-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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11
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Jensen B, Joyce W, Gregorovicova M, Sedmera D, Wang T, Christoffels VM. Low incidence of atrial septal defects in nonmammalian vertebrates. Evol Dev 2019; 22:241-256. [PMID: 31597012 PMCID: PMC9285691 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The atrial septum enables efficient oxygen transport by separating the systemic and pulmonary venous blood returning to the heart. Only in placental mammals will the atrial septum form by the coming-together of the septum primum and the septum secundum. In up to one of four placental mammals, this complex morphogenesis is incomplete and yields patent foramen ovale. The incidence of incomplete atrial septum is unknown for groups with the septum primum only, such as birds and reptiles. We found a low incidence of incomplete atrial septum in 11 species of bird (0% of specimens) and 13 species of reptiles (3% of specimens). In reptiles, there was a trabecular interface between the atrial septum and the atrial epicardium which was without a clear boundary between left and right atrial cavities. In developing reptiles (four squamates and one crocodylian), the septum primum initiated as a sheet that acquired perforations and the trabecular interface developed late. We conclude that atrial septation from the septum primum only results in a low incidence of incompleteness. In reptiles, the atrial septum and atrial wall develop a trabecular interface, but previous studies on atrial hemodynamics suggest this interface has a very limited capacity for shunting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjarke Jensen
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - William Joyce
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Bioscience, Zoophysiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Martina Gregorovicova
- Institute of Anatomy, First Medical Faculty, Czech Academy of Sciences, Charles University and Institute of Physiology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Sedmera
- Institute of Anatomy, First Medical Faculty, Czech Academy of Sciences, Charles University and Institute of Physiology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tobias Wang
- Department of Bioscience, Zoophysiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Vincent M Christoffels
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Joyce W, Crossley DA, Wang T, Jensen B. Smooth Muscle in Cardiac Chambers is Common in Turtles and Extensive in the Emydid Turtle, Trachemys scripta. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2019; 303:1327-1336. [PMID: 31509333 PMCID: PMC7216914 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
A prominent layer of smooth muscle lining the luminal side of the atria of freshwater turtles (Emydidae) was described more than a century ago. We recently demonstrated that this smooth muscle provides a previously unrecognized mechanism to change cardiac output in the emydid red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta) that possibly contributes to their tremendous diving capacity. The purpose of the present immunohistochemical study was firstly to screen major groups of vertebrates for the presence of cardiac smooth muscle. Secondly, we investigated the phylogenetic distribution of cardiac smooth muscle within the turtle order (Testudines), including terrestrial and aquatic species. Atrial smooth muscle was not detected in a range of vertebrates, including Xenopus laevis, Alligator mississippiensis, and Caiman crocodilus, all of which have pronounced diving capacities. However, we confirmed earlier reports that traces of smooth muscle are found in human atrial tissue. Only within the turtles (eight species) was there substantial amounts of nonvascular smooth muscle in the heart. This amount was greatest in the atria, while the amount in proportion to cardiac muscle was greater in the sinus venosus than in other chambers. T. scripta had more smooth muscle in the sinus venosus and atria than the other turtles. In some specimens, there was some smooth muscle in the ventricle and the pulmonary vein. Our study demonstrates that cardiac smooth muscle likely appeared early in turtle evolution and has become extensive within the Emydidae family, possibly in association with diving. Across other tetrapod clades, cardiac smooth muscle might not associate with diving. Anat Rec, 303:1327-1336, 2020. © 2019 The Authors. The Anatomical Record published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association for Anatomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Joyce
- Zoophysiology, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Dane A Crossley
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1105AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Tobias Wang
- Zoophysiology, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.,Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bjarke Jensen
- Department of Medical Biology, University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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The electrocardiogram of vertebrates: Evolutionary changes from ectothermy to endothermy. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 144:16-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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14
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Faber JW, Boukens BJ, Oostra RJ, Moorman AFM, Christoffels VM, Jensen B. Sinus venosus incorporation: contentious issues and operational criteria for developmental and evolutionary studies. J Anat 2019; 234:583-591. [PMID: 30861129 PMCID: PMC6481585 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The sinus venosus is a cardiac chamber upstream of the right atrium that harbours the dominant cardiac pacemaker. During human heart development, the sinus venosus becomes incorporated into the right atrium. However, from the literature it is not possible to deduce the characteristics and importance of this process of incorporation, due to inconsistent terminology and definitions in the description of multiple lines of evidence. We reviewed the literature regarding the incorporation of the sinus venosus and included novel electrophysiological data. Most mammals that have an incorporated sinus venosus show a loss of a functional valve guard of the superior caval vein together with a loss of the electrical sinuatrial delay between the sinus venosus and the right atrium. However, these processes are not necessarily intertwined and in a few species only the sinuatrial delay may be lost. Sinus venosus incorporation can be characterised as the loss of the sinuatrial delay of which the anatomical and molecular underpinnings are not yet understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeike W Faber
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan J Boukens
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roelof-Jan Oostra
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Antoon F M Moorman
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent M Christoffels
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bjarke Jensen
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Kroneman JGH, Faber JW, Schouten JCM, Wolschrijn CF, Christoffels VM, Jensen B. Comparative analysis of avian hearts provides little evidence for variation among species with acquired endothermy. J Morphol 2019; 280:395-410. [PMID: 30667083 PMCID: PMC6590421 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mammals and birds acquired high performance hearts and endothermy during their independent evolution from amniotes with many sauropsid features. A literature review shows that the variation in atrial morphology is greater in mammals than in ectothermic sauropsids. We therefore hypothesized that the transition from ectothermy to endothermy was associated with greater variation in cardiac structure. We tested the hypothesis in 14 orders of birds by assessing the variation in 15 cardiac structures by macroscopic inspection and histology, with an emphasis on the atria as they have multiple features that lend themselves to quantification. We found bird hearts to have multiple features in common with ectothermic sauropsids (synapomorphies), such as the presence of three sinus horns. Convergent features were shared with crocodylians and mammals, such as the cranial offset of the left atrioventricular junction. Other convergent features, like the compact organization of the atrial walls, were shared with mammals only. Pacemaker myocardium, identified by Isl1 expression, was anatomically node‐like (Mallard), thickened (Chicken), or indistinct (Lesser redpoll, Jackdaw). Some features were distinctly avian, (autapomorphies) including the presence of a left atrial antechamber and the ventral merger of the left and right atrial auricles, which was found in some species of parrots and passerines. Most features, however, exhibited little variation. For instance, there were always three systemic veins and two pulmonary veins, whereas among mammals there are 2–3 and 1–7, respectively. Our findings suggest that the transition to high cardiac performance does not necessarily lead to a greater variation in cardiac structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle G H Kroneman
- Department of Pathobiology, Anatomy and Physiology division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Meibergdreef 15, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaeike W Faber
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Meibergdreef 15, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacobine C M Schouten
- Department of Pathobiology, Anatomy and Physiology division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia F Wolschrijn
- Department of Pathobiology, Anatomy and Physiology division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent M Christoffels
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Meibergdreef 15, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bjarke Jensen
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Meibergdreef 15, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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16
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Jensen B, Wang T, Moorman AFM. Evolution and Development of the Atrial Septum. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2018; 302:32-48. [PMID: 30338646 PMCID: PMC6588001 DOI: 10.1002/ar.23914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The complete division of the atrial cavity by a septum, resulting in a left and right atrium, is found in many amphibians and all amniotes (reptiles, birds, and mammals). Surprisingly, it is only in eutherian, or placental, mammals that full atrial septation necessitates addition from a second septum. The high incidence of incomplete closure of the atrial septum in human, so-called probe patency, suggests this manner of closure is inefficient. We review the evolution and development of the atrial septum to understand the peculiar means of forming the atrial septum in eutherian mammals. The most primitive atrial septum is found in lungfishes and comprises a myocardial component with a mesenchymal cap on its leading edge, reminiscent to the primary atrial septum of embryonic mammals before closure of the primary foramen. In reptiles, birds, and mammals, the primary foramen is closed by the mesenchymal tissues of the atrioventricular cushions, the dorsal mesenchymal protrusion, and the mesenchymal cap. These tissues are also found in lungfishes. The closure of the primary foramen is preceded by the development of secondary perforations in the septal myocardium. In all amniotes, with the exception of eutherian mammals, the secondary perforations do not coalesce to a secondary foramen. Instead, the secondary perforations persist and are sealed by myocardial and endocardial growth after birth or hatching. We suggest that the error-prone secondary foramen allows large volumes of oxygen-rich blood to reach the cardiac left side, needed to sustain the growth of the extraordinary large offspring that characterizes eutherian mammals. Anat Rec, 302:32-48, 2019. © 2018 The Authors. The Anatomical Record published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Anatomists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjarke Jensen
- Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tobias Wang
- Department of Bioscience, Zoophysiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Antoon F M Moorman
- Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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17
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Jensen B, H Smit T. Examples of Weak, If Not Absent, Form-Function Relations in the Vertebrate Heart. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2018; 5:E46. [PMID: 30205545 PMCID: PMC6162483 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd5030046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
That form and function are related is a maxim of anatomy and physiology. Yet, form-function relations can be difficult to prove. Human subjects with excessive trabeculated myocardium in the left ventricle, for example, are diagnosed with non-compaction cardiomyopathy, but the extent of trabeculations may be without relation to ejection fraction. Rather than rejecting a relation between form and function, we may ask whether the salient function is assessed. Is there a relation to electrical propagation, mean arterial blood pressure, or propensity to form blood clots? In addition, how should the extent of trabeculated muscle be assessed? While reviewing literature on trabeculated muscle, we applied Tinbergen's four types of causation-how does it work, why does it work, how is it made, and why did it evolve-to better parse what is meant by form and function. The paper is structured around cases that highlight advantages and pitfalls of applying Tinbergen's questions. It further uses the evolution of lunglessness in amphibians to argue that lung reduction impacts on chamber septation and it considers the evolution of an arterial outflow in fishes to argue that reductions in energy consumption may drive structural changes with little consequences to function. Concerning trabeculations, we argue they relate to pumping function in the embryo in the few weeks before the onset of coronary circulation. In human fetal and postnatal stages, a spectrum of trabeculated-to-compact myocardium makes no difference to cardiac function and in this period, form and function may appear unrelated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjarke Jensen
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Meibergdreef 15, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Theodoor H Smit
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Meibergdreef 15, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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18
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Gregorovicova M, Sedmera D, Jensen B. Relative position of the atrioventricular canal determines the electrical activation of developing reptile ventricles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:jeb.178400. [PMID: 29674379 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.178400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Squamate reptiles appear to lack the specialized His-Purkinje system that enables the cardiac ventricle to be activated from apex to base as in mammals and birds. Instead, activation may simply spread from where the atrioventricular canal connects to the base. Gja5, which encodes Cx40, which allows fast impulse propagation, was expressed throughout the ventricles of developing anole lizards. Activation was optically recorded in developing corn snake and central bearded dragon. Early embryonic ventricles were broad in shape, and activation propagated from the base to the right. Elongated ventricles of later stages were activated from base to apex. Before hatching of the snake, the ventricle developed a cranial extension on the left and activation propagated from the base to the caudal apex and the cranial extension. In squamate reptiles, the pattern of electrical activation of the cardiac ventricle is dependent on the position of the atrioventricular canal and the shape of the ventricle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Gregorovicova
- Institute of Anatomy, First Medical Faculty, Charles University, 12800 Prague, and Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Sedmera
- Institute of Anatomy, First Medical Faculty, Charles University, 12800 Prague, and Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bjarke Jensen
- Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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19
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Wang T. The beat goes on. eLife 2018; 7:36882. [PMID: 29737277 PMCID: PMC5940358 DOI: 10.7554/elife.36882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Why is the alligator heart so similar to the hearts of birds and mammals?
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Wang
- Department of Zoophysiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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20
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Jensen B, Boukens BJ, Crossley DA, Conner J, Mohan RA, van Duijvenboden K, Postma AV, Gloschat CR, Elsey RM, Sedmera D, Efimov IR, Christoffels VM. Specialized impulse conduction pathway in the alligator heart. eLife 2018; 7:32120. [PMID: 29565246 PMCID: PMC5940360 DOI: 10.7554/elife.32120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammals and birds have a specialized cardiac atrioventricular conduction system enabling rapid activation of both ventricles. This system may have evolved together with high heart rates to support their endothermic state (warm-bloodedness) and is seemingly lacking in ectothermic vertebrates from which first mammals then birds independently evolved. Here, we studied the conduction system in crocodiles (Alligator mississippiensis), the only ectothermic vertebrates with a full ventricular septum. We identified homologues of mammalian conduction system markers (Tbx3-Tbx5, Scn5a, Gja5, Nppa-Nppb) and show the presence of a functional atrioventricular bundle. The ventricular Purkinje network, however, was absent and slow ventricular conduction relied on trabecular myocardium, as it does in other ectothermic vertebrates. We propose the evolution of the atrioventricular bundle followed full ventricular septum formation prior to the development of high heart rates and endothermy. In contrast, the evolution of the ventricular Purkinje network is strongly associated with high heart rates and endothermy. Mammals and birds are referred to as ‘warm-blooded’ animals, because they maintain a constant high body temperature. This requires a lot of energy, so their bodies need to be well supplied with blood at all times. The hearts of mammals and birds contain two important structures that help them do this. The first is a full wall of muscle – called the ventricular septum – that divides the heart into left and right sides. The second is an electrical circuit made of specialized muscle cells that ensures that the heart beats fast enough by sending rapid electrical signals to the rest of the heart muscle. The circuit contains one group of cells in the ventricular septum, called the bundle of His, and another group termed the Purkinje network. Reptiles, however, do not maintain high body temperatures and are instead often thought of as ‘cold-blooded’ animals. The hearts of reptiles do not need to pump blood around the body as quickly and have different structures from warm-blooded animals. For example, most reptile hearts do not have a fully developed ventricular septum. The only exceptions are crocodiles, alligators and their relatives (the ‘crocodilians’), which do. Jensen, Boukens et al. therefore wanted to determine if a crocodilian heart also contained a specialized electrical circuit like those of birds and mammals. Previous studies that attempted to answer this question using only anatomical and electrical methods had yielded ambiguous results. As such, Jensen, Boukens et al. combined these methods with genetic techniques for a more detailed study. First, the ventricular septum of American alligators, a species of crocodilian, was examined, and found to contain a narrow tissue structure that strongly resembled the bundle of His. Indeed, if this presumptive bundle of His was cut, the electrical circuit was broken. Additional genetic analysis of this structure confirmed that genes similar to those active in the mammalian bundle of His were also switched on in alligators. However, recordings of heart activity showed that heart rates and the spread of electrical signals were both slower in alligators than in warm-blooded animals. This suggests that, although alligators have evolved some specialized muscle cells (in the form of a bundle of His), their electrical circuit is still ‘incomplete’. The lack of a Purkinje network, for example, would explain why their heart rates remain slow like other reptiles’. Together these findings add to the current understanding of how the heart works in different animals with varying requirements for energy and blood flow. Also, since crocodiles and warm-blooded birds both evolved from ancient reptiles, detailed descriptions of their heart structures could shed more light on how warm-bloodedness first developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjarke Jensen
- Department of Medical Biology, Heart Failure Research Center, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan J Boukens
- Department of Medical Biology, Heart Failure Research Center, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Dane A Crossley
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, United States
| | - Justin Conner
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, United States
| | - Rajiv A Mohan
- Department of Medical Biology, Heart Failure Research Center, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karel van Duijvenboden
- Department of Medical Biology, Heart Failure Research Center, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alex V Postma
- Department of Medical Biology, Heart Failure Research Center, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christopher R Gloschat
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Ruth M Elsey
- Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Grand Chenier, United States
| | - David Sedmera
- Institute of Anatomy, First Medical Faculty, Charles University, and Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Igor R Efimov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Vincent M Christoffels
- Department of Medical Biology, Heart Failure Research Center, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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