Optical metrics of the extracellular matrix predict compositional and mechanical changes after myocardial infarction.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the organization and mechanical function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical for the development of therapeutic strategies that regulate wound healing following disease or injury. However, these relationships are challenging to elucidate during remodeling following myocardial infarction (MI) due to rapid changes in cellularity and an inability to characterize both ECM microstructure and function non-destructively. In this study, we overcome those challenges through whole organ decellularization and non-linear optical microscopy to directly relate the microstructure and mechanical properties of myocardial ECM. We non-destructively quantify collagen organization, content, and cross-linking within decellularized healthy and infarcted myocardium using second harmonic ge

SUBMITTER: Quinn KP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5098140 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature