Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Following Bile Duct Ligation in Rats—A Matter of Time?

Abstract

Cirrhotic patients often suffer from cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM). Previous animal models of CCM were inconsistent concerning the time and mechanism of injury; thus, the temporal dynamics and cardiac vulnerability were studied in more detail. Rats underwent bile duct ligation (BDL) and a second surgery 28 days later. Cardiac function was assessed by conductance catheter and echocardiography. Histology, gene expression, and serum parameters were analyzed. A chronotropic incompetence (Pd31 d31 = 0.03, Pdob-d31 d35, Pd42, and Pd56 d31 d56 group group group d31 d42 d56 d31 = 0.005; Pd56 = 0.005). Structural changes in the myocardium were seen after 8 weeks. After the second surgery (second hit), transient myocardial insufficiency with secondary organ dysfunction was seen, characterized by reduced contractility and contractile reserve.

Keywords

• liver cirrhosis
• chronic liver failure
• rodent model
• bile duct ligation
• cirrhotic cardiomyopathy
• myocardial failure