Abstract
Morphological and functional changes in endothelial and interstitial cells are considered central to myxomatous degeneration of the canine mitral valve (endocardiosis). The aim of this study was to describe and quantify changes in valve endothelial cells (VECs), interstitial cells (VICs) and the extra-cellular matrix (ECM) of the sub-endothelial zone of diseased valves using a combination of transmission electron microscopy, stereology and computer-aided image analysis.Marked degradation of the endothelium was evident in diseased valves, which coincided with significant degradation of the local ECM (P<0.001). There were decreases and increases in the numbers of VECs and VICs, respectively, in diseased valves, with particular accumulation of VICs subjacent to the valve surface (P<0.01). Overall, VICs were more pleomorphic than VECs in both normal and diseased valves, but for VECs, the degree of pleomorphism was significantly different in diseased valves (P<0.0001). The findings of the study confirm that canine myxomatous mitral valve disease is associated with marked endothelial damage, with attendant proliferation of subjacent activated myofibroblasts. The fact that similar endothelial changes are present in normal valves suggests these processes not only contribute to valve pathology, but may also represent life-long valve remodelling.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: 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.