In situ electrostimulation drives a regenerative shift in the zone of infarcted myocardium
Project objectivesIn vitro electrical stimulation of non-stem and stem cells induces myogenic predifferentiation and may be a powerful tool for generating cells capable of responding to focal injury. This project evaluates the in vivo effects of electrical stimulation on infarcted myocardium using a miniaturized, multiparametric implantable stimulator in rats. Electrical stimulation parameters are designed to avoid stimulation from native cardiac rhythm. Electrical stimuli are administered to the scarred area for 14 days. In situ electrical stimulation, which is neither cell-mediated nor cytokine-mediated, induces improved myocardial function and increased angiogenesis through the migration of endothelial progenitor cells and the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In situ electrical stimulation may represent a novel means of stimulating repair of the heart and other organs, as well as conditioning tissues treated with cell-based therapies. |
Start and end date |
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2010 - 2012 |
Project Manager |
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Prof. Massimo Chello - Coordinator |
Coordinating institution of the project |
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Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma |
Funding source(s). |
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Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma |
