Regional variations in myosin heavy chain concentration after healing of experimental myocardial infarction in cats.

Densitometric scanning of SDS-polyacrylamide gels was used to measure myosin heavy chain concentration in left ventricular specimens obtained from cat hearts 3 to 12 months after healing of small experimental myocardial infarctions. The study was designed to test the hypothesis that myosin concentration varies as a function of anatomic proximity to the infarct scar. Myosin heavy chain concentration was elevated in non-scarred areas adjacent to a healed infarct and normal in areas remote from the scar. The scar itself had reduced concentrations, reflecting the loss of muscle mass in this area. The increased myosin heavy chain concentration in regions adjacent to the scar may be an attempt to regulate or compensate for the decrease in mechanical function of the scarred area.