Adler C P, Herget G W, Neuburger M
Pathologischen Institut, Universität Freiburg.
Versicherungsmedizin. 1998 Apr 1;50(2):55-8.
Myocardial infarction is characterized by the loss of contractile cardiomyocytes. This results in an increased load on the spared myocardium. The aim of this article is to describe the response of the non-affected myocardium after infarction. Human hearts were investigated by microscopical, biochemical and cytophotometrical methods. The number of nuclei was calculated from the numerical ratio of connective tissue nuclei/myocyte nuclei, the values of the total DNA amount and the percentage proportion of the various ploidy classes in the myocyte nuclei. After myocardial infarction the DNA concentration as well as the DNA content was increased. Different DNA distribution pattern could be found in infarcted hearts. Percentage proportion of higher ploid nuclei and aneuploid nuclei was increased. Number of connective tissue nuclei was increased in infarcted hearts. And, in spite fibrosis of the necrotic area, number of myocyte nuclei did not change significantly. Beside scarring of the necrotic tissue, hypertrophy and hyperplasia of cardiomyocytes occur after myocardial infarction and may compensate the loss of contractile fibres to guarantee myocardial function.
