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Natriuretic peptides in ectopic myocardial tissues originating from mouse embryonic stem cells
Author(s) -
Johkura Kohei,
Cui Li,
Yue Fengming,
Nitta Keiko,
Takei Shunsuke,
Okouchi Yasumitsu,
Asanuma Kazuhiko,
Ogiwara Naoko,
Sasaki Katsunori
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
microscopy research and technique
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.536
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1097-0029
pISSN - 1059-910X
DOI - 10.1002/jemt.20152
Subject(s) - embryoid body , transplantation , embryonic stem cell , immunocytochemistry , stem cell , atrial natriuretic peptide , biology , medicine , brain natriuretic peptide , pathology , microbiology and biotechnology , endocrinology , adult stem cell , heart failure , gene , biochemistry
In a previous report we described the survival and contractile function of mouse embryonic stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes in the host retroperitoneum. To further understand the nature of embryonic stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes, the study assessed the synthesis of natriuretic peptides in ectopic myocardial tissues of embryonic stem cell origin. Cardiomyocytes formed in embryoid body outgrowths were transplanted into the retroperitoneum of adult nude mice, and the myocardial tissues that developed were characterized by RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry concerning atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP, BNP). In the outgrowths of embryoid bodies in vitro, gene expression of ANP and BNP was detected by RT‐PCR and granules positive for the peptides were identified in a few cardiomyocytes by light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry. Seven days after transplantation the transplants exhibited multidifferentiated teratoma tissues. Developing chamber myocardial tissues positive for cardiac troponin I, cadherin, and connexin 43 were evident in the transplants, which contained ANP‐positive cardiomyocytes. Transplants with beating bundles were observed 30 days after transplantation, in which gene expression of both natriuretic peptides was detected. Myocardial tissues with abundant ANP‐immunoreactivity, as well as with BNP‐immunoreactivity to a lesser extent, were evident in the transplants. Also, myocardial tissues without immunoreactivity for natriuretic peptides were observed. Immunoelectron microscopy showed discernible secretory granules containing ANP and/or BNP in the cardiomyocytes. These results showed that part of the cardiomyocytes in embryonic stem cell‐derived ectopic myocardial tissues are capable of producing natriuretic peptides, which suggests that they may be used as an endocrine source for cardiac hormones. Microsc. Res. Tech. 66:165–172, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.