Cellular cardiomyoplasty for refractory angina: experimental rationale.

Abstract

This experimental study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of cellular cardiomyoplasty in the context of refractory angina using a rodent model. The study comprised five groups of animals subjected to different interventions, including "empty" injections, autologous mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) injections via various routes, and untreated controls. Stress load modeling was employed to assess the hemodynamic response, mainly focusing on heart rate changes during isopropyl norepinephrine loading. Results revealed a positive chronotropic effect in all groups, with varying severity. Intact rats exhibited a significant increase in heart rate, while animals in the "empty" injection group demonstrated a less pronounced response. Interestingly, those treated with MSCs, either through direct myocardial injection or intravenous and intracavitary routes, exhibited notable variations in stress-induced heart rate changes. By the third minute of the experiment, a decrease in heart rate was observed across all groups, stabilizing at 490–495 beats/min. Notably, the groups with untreated myocardial infarction and "empty" injections displayed an inability to compensate for required blood flow during stress, indicative of potential challenges in these conditions. These findings suggest that cellular cardiomyoplasty, particularly with autologous MSCs injected into the myocardium, may influence the stress-induced changes in heart rate. However, a comprehensive evaluation of additional cardiovascular parameters and further exploration of therapeutic outcomes are warranted to elucidate the potential clinical relevance of these observations. This study contributes valuable insights into the experimental rationale and hemodynamic effects of cellular cardiomyoplasty, laying the groundwork for future investigations in refractory angina and myocardial infarction.