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Abstract-Osteopontin (OPN), an extracellular matrix protein, is expressed in the myocardium with hypertrophy and failure. We tested the hypothesis that OPN plays a role in left ventricular (LV) remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). Accordingly, OPN expression and LV structural and functional remodeling were determined in wild-type (WT) and OPN knockout (KO) mice 4 weeks after MI. Northern analysis showed increased OPN expression in the infarcted region, peaking 3 days after MI and gradually decreasing over the next 28 days. In the remote LV, OPN expression was biphasic, with peaks at 3 and 28 days. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analyses showed increased OPN mRNA and protein primarily in the interstitium. Infarct size, heart weight, and survival were similar in KO and WT mice after MI (PϭNS), whereas the lung wet weight/dry weight ratio was increased in the KO mice (PϽ0.005 versus sham-operated mice). Peak LV developed pressure was reduced to a similar degree after MI in the KO and WT mice. Key Words: extracellular matrix proteins Ⅲ osteopontin Ⅲ collagen Ⅲ myocyte slippage Ⅲ myocyte elongation T he dynamic synthesis and breakdown of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins may play an important role in myocardial remodeling. 1,2 Recently, using spontaneously hypertensive and aortic-banded rats, we showed increased expression of osteopontin (OPN), an ECM protein, coincident with the development of heart failure. 3 Although first isolated from mineralized bone matrix, OPN has since been shown to be synthesized by several cell types, including cardiac myocytes, microvascular endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. 4 -6 OPN, an adhesive glycophosphoprotein with an arginineglycine-aspartic acid (RGD) sequence, has been shown to interact with integrins (␣ V ␤ 3 , ␣ V ␤ 1 , and ␣ V ␤ 5 ) and the CD44 receptor in an RGD-dependent manner. 4,7 OPN appears capable of mediating diverse biological functions, including cell adhesion, chemotaxis, and signaling. 4,8 OPN has also been shown to interact with fibronectin and collagen, suggesting its possible role in matrix organization and/or stability. 9 -11 Recently, using a mammary cell line, we observed that suppression of OPN synthesis leads to increased activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2. 12 In fact, there is increased expression of OPN in several tissues in response to injury, suggesting a role in wound healing. Using a skin incision model, Liaw et al 13 observed disorganization of the matrix and alteration of collagen fibrillogenesis, leading to collagen fibrils with smaller diameters in OPN knockout (KO) mice. Similarly, OPN has been shown to play a critical role in the generation of interstitial fibrosis in the kidney after obstructive nephropathy. 14 Remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with left ventricular (LV) dilation, decreased cardiac function, and increased mortality. 15 Early dilation of the LV is likely due to scar expansion in the infarcted region, 16 -18 followed later by progressive remodeling 19 in the noninf...

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