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Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research

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Open Access 01-04-2017 | Original Article

Mimicking Cardiac Fibrosis in a Dish: Fibroblast Density Rather than Collagen Density Weakens Cardiomyocyte Function

Authors: Ariane C.C. van Spreeuwel, Noortje A.M. Bax, Bastiaan J. van Nierop, Annemieke Aartsma-Rus, Marie-José T.H. Goumans, Carlijn V.C. Bouten

Published in: Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research | Issue 2/2017

Abstract

Cardiac fibrosis is one of the most devastating effects of cardiac disease. Current in vitro models of cardiac fibrosis do not sufficiently mimic the complex in vivo environment of the cardiomyocyte. We determined the local composition and mechanical properties of the myocardium in established mouse models of genetic and acquired fibrosis and tested the effect of myocardial composition on cardiomyocyte contractility in vitro by systematically manipulating the number of fibroblasts and collagen concentration in a platform of engineered cardiac microtissues. The in vitro results showed that while increasing collagen content had little effect on microtissue contraction, increasing fibroblast density caused a significant reduction in contraction force. In addition, the beating frequency dropped significantly in tissues consisting of 50% cardiac fibroblasts or higher. Despite apparent dissimilarities between native and in vitro fibrosis, the latter allows for the independent analysis of local determinants of fibrosis, which is not possible in vivo.

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Title: Mimicking Cardiac Fibrosis in a Dish: Fibroblast Density Rather than Collagen Density Weakens Cardiomyocyte Function
Authors: Ariane C.C. van Spreeuwel
Noortje A.M. Bax
Bastiaan J. van Nierop
Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
Marie-José T.H. Goumans
Carlijn V.C. Bouten
Publication date: 01-04-2017
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research / Issue 2/2017
Print ISSN: 1937-5387
Electronic ISSN: 1937-5395
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12265-017-9737-1

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