Publication: A micro-anatomical model of the distribution of myocardial endomysial collagen
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Date
2002
Authors
Macchiarelli, G. ; Ohtani, O. ; Nottola, S.A. ; Stallone, T. ; Camboni, A. ; Prado, I.M. ; Motta, P.M.
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Publisher
Murcia : F. Hernández
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DOI
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info:eu-repo/semantics/article
Description
Abstract
Myocardial connective tissue probably
provides passive support for regulating heart tensile
strength and stiffness and ultimately for controlling heart
mechanics through its endomysial part. However,
endomysial collagen micro-arrangement is still a matter
of debate. In order to define the fine distribution of left
ventricle endomysial collagen, we applied the NaOHscanning
electron microscopy (SEM) maceration method
(one of the techniques of choice for studying collagen
micro-arrangement) to rabbit heart. Gomori-reticulum
staining was used for correlated light microscopy (LM)
observations. The SEM-NaOH method allowed isolation
of collagen by removing other extracellular matrix
components and cells and preserved collagen structure
and position. Endomysial collagen appeared arranged in
laminae that delimited the lacunae that were left empty
by macerated myocytes and small vessels (mostly
capillaries). These laminae were formed by reticular
fibers, as confirmed by LM observations of Gomorireticulum-
stained samples, and were organized in
irregularly meshed networks made of thin (single) and
thick (composed) filaments. In longitudinal views,
collagen laminae extended the entire length of lacunae.
In transversal views, the cut surface of the laminae
appeared to be made of collagen bundles. These
observations provide an updated microanatomical view
of endomysial collagen distribution, which integrates
previous studies. This model is based on the evidence
that collagen laminae enveloped the surface of small
vessels and myocytes. Thus, a type of myocyte-myocyte
or capillary-myocyte "laminar connection" anchored to
the entire cell length here is emphasized, rather than a
type of "strut connection" anchored to defined loci, as
usually described. This structure explains better how
endomysium may provide the necessary support for
heart compliance and protection against overstretch.
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