Characteristics of cardiac structure and function pathology in a mouse model of pressure overload heart failure

  Objective To establish a mouse heart failure model and use ultrasound imaging and pathological techniques to comprehensively evaluate the characteristic changes in cardiac function and structure during the development of the disease.

  Methods Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery technique was used to establish a pressure overload-induced heart failure model in mice. Blood flow Doppler at the constriction of the aortic arch was collected 0 weeks before modeling and 2, 4, and 8 weeks after modeling. Estimate the pressure of blood vessels, collect B-mode and M-mode ultrasound images to evaluate the left ventricular systolic function of the heart structure, collect the mitral valve orifice blood flow Doppler combined with the mitral valve ring tissue Doppler to evaluate the diastolic function, and collect the heart tissue Histopathological observation.

  Results The ultrasound imaging results showed that the aortic blood pressure increased significantly at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery. Two weeks after surgery, the main manifestations are the characteristic compensatory increase in left ventricular wall thickness, decrease in inner diameter, and compensatory increase in systolic function, but accompanied by impaired diastolic function and myocardial fibrosis; 4 weeks after surgery is a transitional period, mainly manifested as The transition from ventricular wall hypertrophy to ventricular dilatation, systolic function begins to decline, diastolic function continues to be impaired, and myocardial fibrosis is furthermore; after 8 weeks, it shows characteristic ventricular cavity expansion, and both systolic and diastolic functions are significantly reduced. Cardiomyocytes were partially lysed and markedly fibrotic.

  Conclusion By evaluating the left ventricular structure and function in the three stages of compensatory myocardial hypertrophy, transitional to decompensated dilated heart failure after aortic arch constriction in mice, the model of aortic arch constriction is fundamental and translational research. Application provides theoretical basis.