Physiologic force-frequency response in engineered heart muscle by electromechanical stimulation

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Amandine F.G. Godier-Furnémont - , University of Göttingen, Columbia University, Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislaufforschung (DZHK) (Author)
  • Malte Tiburcy - , University of Göttingen, Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislaufforschung (DZHK) (Author)
  • Eva Wagner - , University of Göttingen, Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislaufforschung (DZHK) (Author)
  • Matthias Dewenter - , University of Göttingen, Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislaufforschung (DZHK) (Author)
  • Simon Lämmle - , University of Göttingen, Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislaufforschung (DZHK) (Author)
  • Ali El-Armouche - , University of Göttingen, Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislaufforschung (DZHK) (Author)
  • Stephan E. Lehnart - , University of Göttingen, Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislaufforschung (DZHK) (Author)
  • Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic - , Columbia University (Author)
  • Wolfram Hubertus Zimmermann - , University of Göttingen, Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislaufforschung (DZHK) (Author)

Abstract

A hallmark of mature mammalian ventricular myocardium is a positive force-frequency relationship (FFR). Despite evidence of organotypic structural and molecular maturation, a positive FFR has not been observed in mammalian tissue engineered heart muscle. We hypothesized that concurrent mechanical and electrical stimulation at frequencies matching physiological heart rate will result in functional maturation. We investigated the role of biomimetic mechanical and electrical stimulation in functional maturation in engineered heart muscle (EHM). Following tissue consolidation, EHM were subjected to electrical field stimulation at 0, 2, 4, or 6Hz for 5 days, while strained on flexible poles to facilitate auxotonic contractions. EHM stimulated at 2 and 4Hz displayed a similarly enhanced inotropic reserve, but a clearly diverging FFR. The positive FFR in 4Hz stimulated EHM was associated with reduced calcium sensitivity, frequency-dependent acceleration of relaxation, and enhanced post-rest potentiation. This was paralleled on the cellular level with improved calcium storage and release capacity of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and enhanced T-tubulation. We conclude that electro-mechanical stimulation at a physiological frequency supports functional maturation in mammalian EHM. The observed positive FFR in EHM has important implications for the applicability of EHM in cardiovascular research.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)82-91
Number of pages10
JournalBiomaterials
Volume60
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2015
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

PubMed 25985155
ORCID /0000-0003-2514-9429/work/151982635

Keywords

Keywords

  • Biophysical properties, Calcium handling, Force frequency relationship, Force of contraction, Heart, Maturation, Myocardium, T-tubulation, Tissue engineering