Abstract
Experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) is a mouse model of immune-mediated myocarditis and cardiomyopathy. The role of Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a β-galactoside-binding lectin, in autoimmune myocarditis has not been studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to delineate the role of Gal-3 in myosin peptide-induced autoimmune myocarditis in mice. EAM was induced in relatively resistant C57BL/6J mice (wild type, WT) and in mice with a targeted deletion of Gal-3 gene (Gal-3KO) by immunization with myosin peptide MyHCα334-352. Gal-3KO mice developed more severe myocarditis and more pronounced heart hypertrophy than WT mice. Increased infiltration of CD45+ leucocytes, CD3+ T cells, F4/80+ macrophages, and eosinophils was observed in hearts of Gal-3KO mice compared to WT mice on day 21 after EAM induction. Moreover, hearts of Gal-3KO mice had more T helper type 2 (Th2) cells, alternatively activated M2 macrophages, higher amounts of IgG deposits, and higher serum levels of IL-4 and IL-33 than WT mice. Ablation of Gal-3 in Th1-dominant C57BL/6J mice that are relatively resistant to EAM resulted in more severe disease characterized by type 2 cardiac inflammation. The complex effects of Gal-3 on EAM progression might be important in the consideration of therapeutic options for the treatment of EAM.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
