2018 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program: Seattle, Washington, June 14 - 15, 2018

The results suggest a role for insulin, IGF-1 metabolism and inflammation in aHCM. Further research on the contribution to aHCM is needed. The study was designed as a randomized, blinded, controlled experimental trial in which 30 Sprague Dawley rats were assigned equally into six treatment groups: 1) saline (negative control); 2) serotonin (5-HT positive control); 3) ALK5 inhibition (ALK5 positive control); 4) ALK5 inhibition plus serotonin (synergistic); 5) ALK5 inhibitor plus cyproheptadine (serotonin antagonist); and 6) ALK5 inhibitor plus clopidogrel (antiplatelet). Each group was treated for 14 days then sacrificed and the hearts were collected and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for histopathologic examination. The results were scored based on a previously published semi-quantitative method for mitral valve pathology where the score ranged from 0 (no changes) to 12 (most severe changes).