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Transmyocardial laser revascularization and phosphorylation of endothelial adherens junction and cytoskeletal elements
Author(s) -
Tinsley John H,
Beyer Erik A
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.22.1_supplement.970.16
Subject(s) - angiogenesis , revascularization , phosphorylation , medicine , cardiology , adherens junction , ventricle , cancer research , endothelium , microvessel , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , cell , biology , myocardial infarction , cadherin , biochemistry
Transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMLR) is a technique whereby channels are made, using lasers or hypodermic needles, through ischemic tissue of the left ventricle. TMLR has been reported to be highly effective in relieving angina in patients who are unsuitable candidates for bypass surgery or angioplasty. However, the treatment remains somewhat controversial because the mechanisms by which TMLR lead to apparent benefits are unknown. Others have shown that within one to two weeks’ post‐TMLR treatment, areas of the infarcted myocardium exhibit significant increases in the levels of transforming growth factor‐β and basic‐fibroblast growth factor. In addition, the treated areas exhibited an increase in microvessel concentration, suggesting that the beneficial effects of TMLR may be connected with angiogenesis. Because angiogenesis is rooted in endothelial cell migration and growth, we wanted to determine any possible impact that TMLR might have on well‐known endothelial processes. We were able to determine that in rats, 30–120 min. following TMLR, the left ventricular tissue surrounding TMLR channels exhibited increases in the phosphorylation levels of both β‐catenin and myosin light chain. Phosphorylation of these junctional and cytoskeletal elements is known to occur concomitant with alterations in the barrier function of the endothelium, which also can lead to angiogenic responses.