Mechanism and potential treatment of the “no reflow” phenomenon after acute myocardial infarction: role of pericytes and GPR39
Carmen Methner, Zhiping Cao, Anusha Mishra, Sanjiv Kaul
Abstract
The mechanism of "no reflow" phenomenon, where the coronary artery is patent after treatment of acute myocardial infarction but tissue perfusion is not restored, is unknown. This condition is associated with worse outcome. Here, we show that GPR39-mediated pericyte contraction during reduced coronary perfusion pressure causes capillary constriction resulting in no reflow. Smaller no-reflow zones in GPR39-knockout animals and those treated with a GPR39 inhibitor are associated with smaller infarct size. These results could have important therapeutic implications.
Topics & Concepts
PericyteNo reflow phenomenonCardiologyMyocardial infarctionPerfusionMedicineInternal medicineConstrictionInfarctionChemistryEndothelial stem cellConventional PCIBiochemistryIn vitroCardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmiasAcute Myocardial Infarction ResearchReceptor Mechanisms and Signaling