2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

This hypothesis was evaluated in a canine model of preclinical isolated mitral regurgitation (MR) via chordal rupture. In each group, 2 dogs had minimal and 2 dogs had more severe MR at induction. One group of dogs (4) was evaluated at baseline and data collected at 2, 6, 12, 16 and 18 weeks after induction. A second group of dogs (4) was evaluated at baseline and 2, 4, and 6 weeks after induction. At these parallel time points, cardiac evaluation, thoracic radiographs, echocardiography, and MRS and standard 7T MRI were collected. In addition, peripheral blood samples were collected for microRNA and biomarker evaluation (NTproBNP). Baseline and endpoint cardiac catheterization were recorded for cardiac output, right and left ventricular function and vascular resistance. At the conclusion of the study, myocardial function was assessed by measuring isolated myocyte morphology, size, and myocyte contractility and Ca flux. Left ventricle and mitral valve tissues were collected for molecular studies of mRNA and miRNA.