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Biomedical subjects

M C Fishbein

Publications and source records attributed to M C Fishbein.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources

Relation between myocardial injury and postextrasystolic potentiation of regional function measured by two-dimensional echocardiography.

An experimental study was designed to validate postextrasystolic potentiation assessment of myocardial viability or functional reserve of cardiac segments after acute coronary occlusion. Segmental systolic fractional area changes and wall thickening in pacing-induced postextrasystolic beats were mapped in 12 closed chest dogs by two-dimensional echocardiography during a control period and from 20 minutes to 3 hours after occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The extent of myocardial ischemic and necrotic zones was evaluated in left ventricular slices and subsegements corresponding to echographic cross sections. During two-dimensional echocardiography, left ventricular segments that were found to be neither ischemic nor necrotic always exhibited a significant augmentation of both fractional area change and wall thickening during the postextrasystolic beat that followed an induced premature contraction with a 42.4% coupling interval. In segments without necrosis but with varying degrees of ischemia, significant postextrasystolic potentiation was also demonstrated, even after 3 hours of occlusion. In contrast, segments that developed more than 80% necrosis failed to potentiate systolic fractional area change after 2 hours, and systolic wall thickening, even after 20 minutes of coronary occlusion. Statistical evaluation revealed a characteristic threshold at 41 to 60% necrosis, beyond which no potentiation of function could be elicited 3 hours after occlusion. Extrapolation from the experimental data suggests that when two-dimensional echographic studies in myocardial ischemia indicate postextrasystolic augmentation of segmental left ventricular function, the latter segments may be assumed to contain only small infarcts or to consist of reversibly ischemic and normal myocardium. Conversely, segments that fail to exhibit postextrasystolic potentiation can be assumed to be more than 60% necrotic.

Animals↗

Myocardial myoglobin following coronary artery occlusion. An immunohistochemical study.

To evaluate morphologic changes and myoglobin content in normal, ischemic and necrotic myocardium, the authors studied human (n = 13) and dog (n = 28) myocardium by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, light and electron microscopy, periodic acid-Schiff stain for glycogen loss, and by an immunoperoxidase technique. Myocardium from autopsied patients with infarction 10-24 hours old showed loss of myoglobin from necrotic fibers. Dogs with infarcts after 3 hours or more of coronary occlusion showed myoglobin loss in fibers shown to be necrotic. In 4 dogs with 50% reduction in left main coronary artery flow for 3 hours, which demonstrated ischemia without necrosis (glycogen loss with no triphenyl tetrazolium chloride evidence of necrosis), myoglobin staining in myocardial sections was similar to nonischemic and positive control tissues. By comparison of immunoperoxidase staining with concomitant study by light and electron microscopy and histochemistry, loss of myoglobin from necrotic myocardium was demonstrated, while ischemic but not necrotic fibers stained normally. These findings indicate that necrosis is necessary for myoglobin loss from myocardium to be detected by this immunoperoxidase technique.

Animals↗

Evaluation of fluorescence microscopy for the identification of necrotic myocardium.

The utility of fluorescence microscopy in the evaluation of hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections for the presence of myocardial necrosis was examined. Sixteen human autopsy cases with clinical and pathologic evidence of myocardial infarction were studied. In addition, to better define the sensitivity and specificity of this technique, the hearts of 20 dogs that had undergone experimental coronary occlusion of known duration were studied; the duration of occlusion was three hours in seven dogs, six hours in seven dogs, and seven days in six dogs. In both human and dog studies, hypereosinophilic necrotic fibers in hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections appeared bright yellow by fluorescence microscopy. In myocardium that was shown to be necrotic by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and electron microscopy but was not hypereosinophilic, there was no bright yellow fluorescence of myofibers. Our study shows that bright yellow fluorescence is related to hypereosinophilia of myofibers and thus can be used to detect myocardial necrosis. However, since only hypereosinophilic fibers show the characteristic yellow fluorescence, the method appears to offer no distinct advantages over routine light microscopic techniques.

Animals↗

Favorable effects of therapy on cardiac performance in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

To determine whether chronic antihypertensive therapy reduces cardiac mass and improves performance in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with marked left ventricular hypertrophy and evidence of cardiac dysfunction, 12-mo-old male and female SHR and age- and sex-matched normotensive rats (NORM) were treated for 6 mo with either tap water or tap water containing hydralazine or guanethidine. Cardiac performance was assessed by the peak stroke volume and cardiac indices attained during volume loading and by the maximum left ventricular pressure developed during an aortic occlusion. Passive diastolic pressure-volume curves were obtained in the potassium-arrested heart. Treatment prevented the progression of left ventricular hypertrophy in SHR and the marked deterioration in peak pumping ability observed in untreated male SHR and the modest impairment observed in female SHR. The peak developed pressure of both the male and female treated SHR was reduced toward that of NORM and was associated with a reduction in the left ventricular mass-to-volume ratio toward that of NORM. Thus chronic therapy with either hydralazine or guanethidine reduced cardiac mass and prevented the deterioration in cardiac pumping performance observed in SHR with sustained hypertension and marked cardiac hypertrophy.

Aging↗

Ruptured atheromatous plaques in saphenous vein coronary artery bypass grafts: a mechanism of acute, thrombotic, late graft occlusion.

Although early occlusion of saphenous vein coronary artery bypass grafts is usually thrombotic, late occlusion is most often a result of progressive intimal fibromuscular proliferation or atheroma formation in the implanted vain. We describe another mechanism of late graft occlusion: atheromatous plaque rupture with superimposed occlusive thrombosis. Four men, ages 48-67 years underwent repeat bypass surgery for recurrent angina. Six of eight vein grafts excised 5-8 years after original bypass showed complete luminal occlusion by recent thrombus superimposed on ruptured atheromatous plaques. Similar findings were present at autopsy in two of three vein grafts from a 66-year-old man who died 7 years after bypass. These lesions are indistinguishable from those that occur in native coronary arteries of many patients with acute myocardial infarction. Unlike previously described graft occlusions, the present lesion represents a mechanism of acute, thrombotic, late graft occlusion. If recognized early, it may be amenable to nonsurgical intervention by angioplasty or thrombolysis.

Acute Disease↗

Hypothermic coronary venous phased retroperfusion: a closed-chest treatment of acute regional myocardial ischemia.

Hypothermic synchronized retroperfusion (HSRP) was applied in closed-chest dogs after acute coronary occlusion to determine whether this intervention can significantly retard the otherwise rapidly developing irreversible ischemic injury. The left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was occluded for 3 hours in 22 dogs and for 6 hours in 16 dogs. Starting 30 minutes after occlusion, HSRP was applied during maintained coronary occlusion in 21 dogs. The remaining dogs served as untreated controls. Arterial blood was cooled to 20 degrees C and retroperfused in diastole into the regional coronary veins. Hemodynamics, contrast cineangiography and two-dimensional echocardiography were measured sequentially. Glycogen-depleted ischemic areas and necrotic zones were delineated in transverse slices of the left ventricle. Untreated controls dogs further deteriorated; in contrast, HSRP between 30 minutes and 3- and 6-hour LAD occlusion significantly reduced the rate-pressure product (21.3 +/- 4.0% or 26.8 +/- 8.2%) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (39.5 +/- 9.5% or 51.4 +/- 7.7%) and increased ejection fraction (28 +/- 17% and 33 +/- 2.0%). HSRP caused no arrhythmias and led to much less necrosis of ischemic myocardium in the treated 3- or 6-hour occlusion series (7.4 +/- 2.7% or 28.9 +/- 12.6%) than in respective untreated controls (47.1 +/- 8.9% and 72.3 +/- 5.9%). Moderately hypothermic closed-chest phased retroperfusion appears to protect reversibly injured ischemic myocardium and improve cardiac function. Such treatment may be particularly suitable in the earliest stages of evolving myocardial infarction, when maintenance of myocardial viability is essential for preservation of jeopardized myocardium while awaiting coronary bypass revascularization or nonsurgical thrombolytic reperfusion.

Animals↗

Divergent effects of inotropic stimulation on the ischemic and severely depressed reperfused myocardium.

Mechanical function remains depressed for hours and days after even brief periods of ischemia. To determine whether the depressed function of the reperfused myocardium could be improved y inotropic stimulation, we studied segmental function during ischemia and after reperfusion using mercury-in-Silastic length gauges in 15 dogs. During coronary artery occlusion, segmental function could not be improved by inotropic stimulation with dopamine. Release of occlusion after 30 minutes of ischemia resulted in only slight improvement in segmental function (systolic shortening at 20% of control). After reperfusion, segmental function could be markedly enhanced by inotropic stimulation. The response to inotropic stimulation was similar after reperfusion after 3 hours of ischemia if the myocardium remained viable (nine dogs). When the myocardium was necrotic (five dogs), there was no improvement after reperfusion, either spontaneously or in response to inotropic stimulation. If applicable to humans, these results suggest that intractable pump failure caused by extensive but reversible ischemia could be effectively treated by reperfusion and inotropic stimulation.

Animals↗

Intermittent brief periods of ischemia have a cumulative effect and may cause myocardial necrosis.

We investigated the effects of brief intermittent periods of ischemia on myocardial viability. Brief periodic coronary occlusions were produced up to 18 times by inflating and deflating the balloon of an intracoronary No. 2F catheter for periods of 15, 10 or 5 minutes, followed by 15-minute periods of reperfusion. Creatine kinase (CK) release, triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining, and light and electron microscopy were used to detect the presence of myocardial necrosis. For the study of CK release, blood was taken from the great cardiac vein and the aorta before and at 5-minute intervals during each left anterior descending coronary occlusion, as well as during and 1, 5, 10 and 15 minutes after balloon deflation. In seven of 24 dogs with 15-minute occlusions, in five of 21 dogs with 10-minute occlusions, and in three of 32 dogs with 5-minute occlusions, small but distinct areas of subendocardial necrosis were present. In all dogs with morphologic proof of necrosis, there was periodic release of CK into the great cardiac vein, which peaked immediately after reperfusion, reflecting CK washout. Thus, brief periods of ischemia, which when single do not cause necrosis, have a cumulative effect and may cause myocardial necrosis. This mechanism of necrosis may be relevant clinically in patients with frequent anginal episodes. Since many dogs of this study did not have any myocardial necrosis, the findings also suggest that intermittent reperfusion has a beneficial effect and may prevent necrosis, even when total occlusion time exceeds 200 minutes.

Animals↗

Calcifications of cardiac valve bioprostheses. Biochemical, histologic, and ultrastructural observations in a subcutaneous implantation model system.

To study the process of calcification in bioprosthesis, 108 glutaraldehyde-treated porcine aortic valve leaflets were implanted subcutaneously in rabbits and removed 1 day to 6 months later; morphologic findings were correlated with biochemically determined levels of calcium (Ca++) and gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla), a vitamin K-dependent Ca++-binding amino acid known to be present in a variety of tissues with pathological calcification. Gla and Ca++ levels began to increase about 2 months after implantation and increased progressively with time. Ca/Gla molar ratios were comparable to those in leaflets of bioprostheses explanted from patients, 22 to 64 months after implantation. Morphologically evident calcification began at the same time that Gla and Ca++ increases were detected biochemically and also increased in severity with time. Electron microscopy showed that calcification primarily involved the surface of collagen fibrils and the interfibrillar spaces. The biochemical and morphological findings in this experimental system are similar to those described in calcified porcine bioprosthetic valve leaflets removed from patients, but occurred much more rapidly. As with pathological calcification of other tissues, progressive calcification was accompanied by increased Gla levels, suggesting that Gla plays a role in the calcification of the leaflets. This model allows rapid comparative evaluation of large numbers of valve leaflets maintained under similar host conditions.

1-Carboxyglutamic Acid↗

Early phase acute myocardial infarct size quantification: validation of the triphenyl tetrazolium chloride tissue enzyme staining technique.

Gross histochemical delineation of myocardium which has lost dehydrogenase enzyme activity has been shown to facilitate macroscopic recognition of necrotic myocardium. The present study was undertaken to assess the accuracy of the triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) technique for quantitating myocardial infarct size very early after coronary occlusion. In 16 closed-chest dogs the left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded with an intra-arterial balloon. Twelve dogs were killed 6 hours after occlusion, their hearts excised, cut from apex to base into 1 cm thick slices, and incubated in TTC. Whole-mount histologic sections of each slice were prepared. Myocardial infarct size was measured by planimetry of photographs of each gross slice and histologic section using classical criteria of necrosis. Myocardial infarct size determined in 54 slices by the TTC technique and histologically was similar (25 +/- 16% vs 27 +/- 16% of the left ventricular mass, mean +/- SD) with close correlation between the two methods (r = 0.91). Four dogs were killed 3 hours after occlusion and TTC stained and unstained myocardium was studied by electron microscopy. When the TTC technique identified necrosis so did electron microscopy. Areas identified by the TTC technique as non-necrotic were either normal or only ischemic by electron microscopy. Thus, using TTC, necrosis can be quantitated reliably 6, and even 3 hours after coronary occlusion, before histologic changes are clearly diagnostic. This technique represents a reliable, practical means for quantitation of recent infarction and for studying the evolution of ischemic injury in its early phase.

Acute Disease↗

Intracoronary thrombolysis in evolving myocardial infarction.

After experimental studies in dogs confirmed the feasibility and safety of rapid intracoronary thrombolysis by local infusion of Thrombolysin (streptokinase and plasmin), intracoronary thrombolysis was attempted in 20 patients with evolving myocardial infarction who were hospitalized within 3 hours from the onset of symptoms during the day and within 2 hours at night. Thrombolysin was infused in the immediate vicinity of the site of coronary occlusion using a 0.85 mm outer diameter catheter advanced through the lumen of the Judkins catheter. Reperfusion was achieved in four patients after an average of 43 minutes of Thrombolysin infusion at a rate of 2000 IU/min and in 15 patients after an average of 21 minutes of Thrombolysin infusion at a rate of 4000 IU/min. The failure to open the artery in one patient may have been caused by our inability to advance the infusion catheter close to the site of occlusion. Rethrombosis occurred in one patient 8 days after reperfusion and 2 days after discontinuation of anticoagulants because of a history of chronic alcoholism. Wall motion and perfusion studies showed improvement following reperfusion. Patency of the artery was achieved an average of 4 hours after the onset of symptoms. The need for earlier reperfusion is emphasized.

Adult↗

Intracoronary thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction: experimental background and clinical experience.

Occlusive intracoronary (IC) thrombosis was produced experimentally in dogs by placement of a copper coil. The thrombus was consistently lysed by application of Thrombolysin (streptokinase and plasminogen) at the site of occlusion, 1 to 6 hours after thrombosis. Thrombolysin has no toxic effect on the coronary artery wall or the myocardium. Reperfusion after 30 to 60 minutes of occlusion frequently resulted in ventricular fibrillation, but gradual reperfusion reduced the probability of ventricular fibrillation. Intramyocardial bleeding was noted after reperfusion in areas of advanced necrosis and was shown to be the consequence, rather than the cause, of necrosis. The reperfused myocardium remained hypocontractile, but in contrast to the occlusion period, its mechanical function could be enhanced by inotropic stimulation. After experimental studies confirmed the feasibility and safety of IC thrombolysis, the technique was applied within 3 hours of onset of pain in 29 patients with evolving acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and showing ST elevations without pathologic Q waves. Nitroglycerin (NTG), 0.1 mg, was injected into the occluded coronary artery to rule out spasm; NTG failed to open the occluded artery. A special, very flexible, radiopaque No. 2 French catheter was advanced through the angiography catheter to the site of occlusion. Thrombolysin was infused at a rate of 4000 to 6000 IU/min until patency was achieved, followed by 2000 IU/min for 60 minutes. Lysis of clot was achieved in 27 of 29 patients. The single death (unrelated to the procedure) occurred subsequently in a patient in whom the artery was not reopened. After successful thrombolysis, 12 patients underwent elective coronary bypass surgery because of multiple stenoses. The need for early reperfusion is emphasized for effective IC thrombolysis therapy in evolving AMI.

Animals↗

Primary myxomatous degeneration of cardiac valves. Clinical, pathological, haemodynamic, and echocardiographic profile.

Four hundred and ninety-nine surgically excised valves were examined for pathological evidence of myxomatous degeneration. Thirty-six valves (7%) had myxomatous degeneration as a major pathological finding. Fourteen valves (3%) had significant myxomatous degeneration of the pars fibrosa, a finding which we define as "primary myxomatous degeneration". Echocardiographic findings and catheterisation results were correlated with the clinical course, surgical results, and follow-up in these 14 patients. Echocardiograms in 10 of the 11 patients who had them (91%) showed abnormalities suggesting the presence of primary myxomatous degeneration. Echocardiography was more helpful than angiography in diagnosis. The histological pattern of primary mitral myxomatous degeneration appears to be identical to that seen in patients with mitral valve prolapse and five of six patients with mitral lesions had echocardiographic evidence of prolapse. None of the patients with primary myxomatous degeneration of the aortic valve had syphilis of Marfan's syndrome. While the aetiology of primary myxomatous degeneration of cardiac valves is not known, a link to a more generalised disorder is suggested.

Adult↗

The relationship of vascular injury and myocardial hemorrhage to necrosis after reperfusion.

Early reperfusion may salvage ischemic myocardium; late reperfusion often intensifies morphologic changes of necrosis and causes hemorrhage. To determine whether hemorrhage after reperfusion increases the extent of myocardial infarction, six closed-chest, anesthetized dogs underwent balloon occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 5.5 hours, followed by 30 minutes of reflow. Colloidal carbon was injected distal to the balloon before reperfusion to label injured vessels. After sacrifice, the area of myocardial necrosis was measured by planimetry of 1-cm-thick serial slices of left ventricle stained with triphenyl tetrazolium chloride. Areas of hemorrhage and vascular injury were also measured. In all hearts, the extent of hemorrhage and vascular injury was less than the extent of necrosis (10.2 +/- 4.6% vs 19.8 +/- 8.6% [mean +/- SD], p < 0.01). Further, hemorrhage was always within the area of necrosis, primarily in the subendocardial portion. Hemorrhage after reperfusion occurred only in necrotic tissue where carbon labeling indicated severe vascular injury before reperfusion, suggesting that the hemorrhage was the consequence of preexisting microvascular injury, not its cause.

Animals↗

Development of collagenous linings on impermeable prosthetic surfaces.

In an effort to accelerate development of a biologic lining on the fibrillar surface of a left ventricular assist pump, the blood-contacting interface was covered with bovine fetal fibroblasts immediately prior to implantation into the animal. Selection of these syngeneic cells was based on their demonstrated prolificacy and abundant collagen production. Comparative studies, carried out in 17 Holstein calves, indicated that an adherent, thin, collagenous lining developed on the fibroblast-seeded polyurethane pump chamber in nine animals. Similar implantations of eight non-cell-seeded (control) devices resulted in formation of a predominantly acellular, fibrinous membrane, varying in thickness from 1 to 8 mm. Pump chamber compliance was significantly reduced when the histologic surface exceeded 3 mm in thickness, resulting in impaired filling and an inadequate stroke volume. The use of 14C-thymidine-labeled fibroblasts permitted later identification of the donor cells in the collagenous linings by radioautography. Serial immunologic studies undertaken to detect evidence of rejection in recipient Holstein calves were negative.

Amino Acids↗