The regenerative capacity of zebrafish reverses cardiac failure caused by genetic cardiomyocyte depletion.

ABSTRACT: Natural models of heart regeneration in lower vertebrates such as zebrafish are based on invasive surgeries causing mechanical injuries that are limited in size. Here, we created a genetic cell ablation model in zebrafish that facilitates inducible destruction of a high percentage of cardiomyocytes. Cell-specific depletion of over 60% of the ventricular myocardium triggered signs of cardiac failure that were not observed after partial ventricular resection, including reduced animal exercise tolerance and sudden death in the setting of stressors. Massive myocardial loss activated robust cellular and molecular responses by endocardial, immune, epicardial and vascular cells. Destroyed cardiomyocytes fully regenerated within several days, restoring cardiac anatomy, physiology and performance.

SUBMITTER: Wang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3143562 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature