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Poulsen CFB, Munk K, Wang T, Damkjaer M. Transesophageal echocardiography of cardiac function in Nile crocodiles - A novel tool for assessing complex hemodynamic patterns. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2024; 288:111564. [PMID: 38135145 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.111564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The crocodilian heart is unique among reptiles with its four-chambered structure and complete intracardiac separation of pulmonary and systemic blood flows and pressures. Crocodiles have retained two aortic arches; one from each ventricle, that communicate via Foramen of Panizza, immediately distally from the aortic valves. Moreover, crocodiles can regulate vascular resistance in the pulmonary portion of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). These unique features allow for a complex regulation of shunting between the pulmonary and systemic circulations. Studies on crocodile shunting have predominantly been based on invasive measurements, but here we report on the use of echocardiography. METHODS Experiments were performed on seven pentobarbital anaesthetized juvenile Nile crocodiles (length and mass of 192 ± 13 cm and 26 ± 5 kg, respectively). Echocardiographic imaging was performed using a transesophageal (TEE) approach. All images were EKG-gated. RESULTS We obtain excellent views of cardiac structures and central vasculature through the esophagus. Standard imaging planes were defined for both long- and short axis views of the left ventricle and truncus arteriosus. For the RV, only a short axis view could be obtained. Color Doppler was used to visualize flow. Pulsed waved Doppler for measuring flow profiles across the atrioventricular valves, in the two RVOTs and the left ventricular outflow tract. Shunting across the Foramen of Panizza could be visualized and gated to the EKG. CONCLUSION TEE can be used to image the unique features of the crocodile heart and allow for in-vivo imaging of the complex shunting hemodynamics, including timing of cardiac shunts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian F B Poulsen
- Department of Cardiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Kolding, Denmark; Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
| | - Kim Munk
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Tobias Wang
- Department of Zoophysiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark. https://twitter.com/Tobias_Wang_AU
| | - Mads Damkjaer
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Kolding, Denmark; Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark.
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2
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Graham A, Hikspoors JPJM, Lamers WH, Anderson RH, Bamforth SD. Morphogenetic processes in the development and evolution of the arteries of the pharyngeal arches: their relations to congenital cardiovascular malformations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1259175. [PMID: 37900278 PMCID: PMC10602722 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1259175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The heart and aortic arch arteries in amniotes form a double circulation, taking oxygenated blood from the heart to the body and deoxygenated blood to the lungs. These major vessels are formed in embryonic development from a series of paired and symmetrical arteries that undergo a complex remodelling process to form the asymmetric arch arteries in the adult. These embryonic arteries form in the pharyngeal arches, which are symmetrical bulges on the lateral surface of the head. The pharyngeal arches, and their associated arteries, are found in all classes of vertebrates, but the number varies, typically with the number of arches reducing through evolution. For example, jawed vertebrates have six pairs of pharyngeal arch arteries but amniotes, a clade of tetrapod vertebrates, have five pairs. This had led to the unusual numbering system attributed to each of the pharyngeal arch arteries in amniotes (1, 2, 3, 4, and 6). We, therefore, propose that these instead be given names to reflect the vessel: mandibular (1st), hyoid (2nd), carotid (3rd), aortic (4th) and pulmonary (most caudal). Aberrant arch artery formation or remodelling leads to life-threatening congenital cardiovascular malformations, such as interruption of the aortic arch, cervical origin of arteries, and vascular rings. We discuss why an alleged fifth arch artery has erroneously been used to interpret congenital cardiac lesions, which are better explained as abnormal collateral channels, or remodelling of the aortic sac.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Graham
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Wouter H. Lamers
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Robert H. Anderson
- Centre for Life, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Simon D. Bamforth
- Centre for Life, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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3
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Chang YH, Sheftel BI, Jensen B. Anatomy of the heart with the highest heart rate. J Anat 2022; 241:173-190. [PMID: 35128670 PMCID: PMC9178362 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Shrews occupy the lower extreme of the seven orders of magnitude mammals range in size. Their hearts are large relative to body weight and heart rate can exceed a thousand beats a minute. It is not known whether traits typical of mammal hearts scale to these extremes. We assessed the heart of three species of shrew (genus Sorex) following the sequential segmental analysis developed for human hearts. Using micro‐computed tomography, we describe the overall structure and find, in agreement with previous studies, a large and elongate ventricle. The atrial and ventricular septums and the atrioventricular (AV) and arterial valves are typically mammalian. The ventricular walls comprise mostly compact myocardium and especially the right ventricle has few trabeculations on the luminal side. A developmental process of compaction is thought to reduce trabeculations in mammals, but in embryonic shrews the volume of trabeculations increase for every gestational stage, only slower than the compact volume. By expression of Hcn4, we identify a sinus node and an AV conduction axis which is continuous with the ventricular septal crest. Outstanding traits include pulmonary venous sleeve myocardium that reaches farther into the lungs than in any other mammals. Typical proportions of coronary arteries‐to‐aorta do not scale and the shrew coronary arteries are proportionally enormous, presumably to avoid the high resistance to blood flow of narrow vessels. In conclusion, most cardiac traits do scale to the miniscule shrews. The shrew heart, nevertheless, stands out by its relative size, elongation, proportionally large coronary vessels, and extent of pulmonary venous myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Hee Chang
- Department of Medical Biology University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Boris I. Sheftel
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution RAS (Russian Academy of Sciences) Moscow Russian Federation
| | - Bjarke Jensen
- Department of Medical Biology University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC Amsterdam The Netherlands
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4
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Poelmann RE, Gittenberger-de Groot AC, Goerdajal C, Grewal N, De Bakker MAG, Richardson MK. Ventricular Septation and Outflow Tract Development in Crocodilians Result in Two Aortas with Bicuspid Semilunar Valves. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 8:jcdd8100132. [PMID: 34677201 PMCID: PMC8537894 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd8100132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The outflow tract of crocodilians resembles that of birds and mammals as ventricular septation is complete. The arterial anatomy, however, presents with a pulmonary trunk originating from the right ventricular cavum, and two aortas originating from either the right or left ventricular cavity. Mixing of blood in crocodilians cannot occur at the ventricular level as in other reptiles but instead takes place at the aortic root level by a shunt, the foramen of Panizza, the opening of which is guarded by two facing semilunar leaflets of both bicuspid aortic valves. Methods: Developmental stages of Alligator mississipiensis, Crocodilus niloticus and Caiman latirostris were studied histologically. Results and Conclusions: The outflow tract septation complex can be divided into two components. The aorto-pulmonary septum divides the pulmonary trunk from both aortas, whereas the interaortic septum divides the systemic from the visceral aorta. Neural crest cells are most likely involved in the formation of both components. Remodeling of the endocardial cushions and both septa results in the formation of bicuspid valves in all three arterial trunks. The foramen of Panizza originates intracardially as a channel in the septal endocardial cushion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E. Poelmann
- Sylvius Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences and Health, Institute of Biology, University of Leiden, Sylvi-usweg 72, 2333BE Leiden, The Netherlands; (C.G.); (M.A.G.D.B.); (M.K.R.)
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, P.O. Box 9600, 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-652695875
| | | | - Charissa Goerdajal
- Sylvius Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences and Health, Institute of Biology, University of Leiden, Sylvi-usweg 72, 2333BE Leiden, The Netherlands; (C.G.); (M.A.G.D.B.); (M.K.R.)
| | - Nimrat Grewal
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, P.O. Box 9600, 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Merijn A. G. De Bakker
- Sylvius Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences and Health, Institute of Biology, University of Leiden, Sylvi-usweg 72, 2333BE Leiden, The Netherlands; (C.G.); (M.A.G.D.B.); (M.K.R.)
| | - Michael K. Richardson
- Sylvius Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences and Health, Institute of Biology, University of Leiden, Sylvi-usweg 72, 2333BE Leiden, The Netherlands; (C.G.); (M.A.G.D.B.); (M.K.R.)
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5
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Filogonio R, Dubansky BD, Dubansky BH, Wang T, Elsey RM, Leite CAC, Crossley DA. Arterial wall thickening normalizes arterial wall tension with growth in American alligators, Alligator mississippiensis. J Comp Physiol B 2021; 191:553-562. [PMID: 33629153 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-021-01353-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Arterial wall tension increases with luminal radius and arterial pressure. Hence, as body mass (Mb) increases, associated increases in radius induces larger tension. Thus, it could be predicted that high tension would increase the potential for rupture of the arterial wall. Studies on mammals have focused on systemic arteries and have shown that arterial wall thickness increases with Mb and normalizes tension. Reptiles are good models to study scaling because some species exhibit large body size range associated with growth, thus, allowing for ontogenetic comparisons. We used post hatch American alligators, Alligator mississippiensis, ranging from 0.12 to 6.80 kg (~ 60-fold) to investigate how both the right aortic arch (RAo) and the left pulmonary artery (LPA) change with Mb. We tested two possibilities: (i) wall thickness increases with Mb and normalizes wall tension, such that stress (stress = tension/thickness) remains unchanged; (ii) collagen content scales with Mb and increases arterial strength. We measured heart rate and systolic and mean pressures from both systemic and pulmonary circulations in anesthetized animals. Once stabilized alligators were injected with adrenaline to induce a physiologically relevant increase in pressure. Heart rate decreased and systemic pressures increased with Mb; pulmonary pressures remained unchanged. Both the RAo and LPA were fixed under physiological hydrostatic pressures and displayed larger radius, wall tension and thickness as Mb increased, thus, stress was independent from Mb; relative collagen content was unchanged. We conclude that increased wall thickness normalizes tension and reduces the chances of arterial walls rupturing in large alligators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Filogonio
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, 13565-905, Brazil.
| | - Benjamin D Dubansky
- Department of Biological Sciences, Developmental Integrative Biology Cluster, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76203-5220, USA
| | - Brooke H Dubansky
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Public Health, Tarleton State University, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Tobias Wang
- Section for Zoophysiology, Department of Biosciences, Aarhus University, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Ruth M Elsey
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, Grand Chenier, LA, 70643, USA
| | - Cléo A C Leite
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Dane A Crossley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Developmental Integrative Biology Cluster, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76203-5220, USA
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6
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de Oliveira Lima M, Nóbrega YC, de Deus Santos MR, de Carvalho Nunes L, Figueiredo RG, da Silva MA. Notes on the gross anatomy of the heart of the broad-snouted caiman, Caiman latirostris (Daudin, 1802). Anat Histol Embryol 2020; 50:350-359. [PMID: 33249637 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The broad-snouted caiman, Caiman latirostris (Daudin, 1802), is one of the six crocodilian species from Brazil. The topography, morphology and morphometry of the broad-snouted caiman heart were studied. Data were obtained from the necropsy of four adult animals, three females and one male. The hearts were removed from the coelomic cavity and fixed in 10% formalin for 48 hr for morphological and morphometric description. The heart is in the cranial mediastinum. It is caudally involved by the liver cranial margins, and ventrally by the ribs, intercostal muscles, and sternum and dorsally by the lungs. The four-chambered morphology is typical with two (right and left) atria and ventricles. Right and left aortic, pulmonary and subclavian arteries branch from the truncus arteriosus. Gubernaculum cordis is present as ligamentous folds uniting the heart apex to the pericardium. Main morphometric means are the apex-to-base length (49.86 mm), circumference (105.25 mm) and heart weight (45.03 g). The right atrium is craniocaudally longer with thicker walls, whereas the left ventricle is narrower. The topography, morphology and morphometry of the heart of C. latirostris are consistent with the anatomy of other crocodilian species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yhuri Cardoso Nóbrega
- Instituto Marcos Daniel, Projeto Caiman, Vitória, Brazil.,Programa de pós-graduação em Ecologia de Ecossistemas, Universidade Vila Velha, Vila Velha, Brazil.,Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Centro Universitário FAESA, Vitória, Brazil
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7
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Jensen B, Christoffels VM. Reptiles as a Model System to Study Heart Development. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2020; 12:cshperspect.a037226. [PMID: 31712265 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a037226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A chambered heart is common to all vertebrates, but reptiles show unparalleled variation in ventricular septation, ranging from almost absent in tuataras to full in crocodilians. Because mammals and birds evolved independently from reptile lineages, studies on reptile development may yield insight into the evolution and development of the full ventricular septum. Compared with reptiles, mammals and birds have evolved several other adaptations, including compact chamber walls and a specialized conduction system. These adaptations appear to have evolved from precursor structures that can be studied in present-day reptiles. The increase in the number of studies on reptile heart development has been greatly facilitated by sequencing of several genomes and the availability of good staging systems. Here, we place reptiles in their phylogenetic context with a focus on features that are primitive when compared with the homologous features of mammals. Further, an outline of major developmental events is given, and variation between reptile species is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjarke Jensen
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent M Christoffels
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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8
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Hanemaaijer J, Gregorovicova M, Nielsen JM, Moorman AFM, Wang T, Planken RN, Christoffels VM, Sedmera D, Jensen B. Identification of the building blocks of ventricular septation in monitor lizards (Varanidae). Development 2019; 146:dev.177121. [PMID: 31285354 DOI: 10.1242/dev.177121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Among lizards, only monitor lizards (Varanidae) have a functionally divided cardiac ventricle. The division results from the combined function of three partial septa, which may be homologous to the ventricular septum of mammals and archosaurs. We show in developing monitors that two septa, the 'muscular ridge' and 'bulbuslamelle', express the evolutionarily conserved transcription factors Tbx5, Irx1 and Irx2, orthologues of which mark the mammalian ventricular septum. Compaction of embryonic trabeculae contributes to the formation of these septa. The septa are positioned, however, to the right of the atrioventricular junction and they do not participate in the separation of incoming atrial blood streams. That separation is accomplished by the 'vertical septum', which expresses Tbx3 and Tbx5 and orchestrates the formation of the electrical conduction axis embedded in the ventricular septum. These expression patterns are more pronounced in monitors than in other lizards, and are associated with a deep electrical activation near the vertical septum, in contrast to the primitive base-to-apex activation of other lizards. We conclude that evolutionarily conserved transcriptional programmes may underlie the formation of the ventricular septa of monitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jermo Hanemaaijer
- University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Meibergdreef 15, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martina Gregorovicova
- Department of Developmental Cardiology, Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic.,Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, U Nemocnice 3, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan M Nielsen
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, 8200, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Antoon F M Moorman
- University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Meibergdreef 15, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tobias Wang
- Department of Bioscience, Zoophysiology, Aarhus University, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - R Nils Planken
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent M Christoffels
- University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Meibergdreef 15, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David Sedmera
- Department of Developmental Cardiology, Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic .,Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, U Nemocnice 3, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bjarke Jensen
- University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Meibergdreef 15, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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9
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Poelmann RE, Gittenberger-de Groot AC. Development and evolution of the metazoan heart. Dev Dyn 2019; 248:634-656. [PMID: 31063648 PMCID: PMC6767493 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of the evolution and development of the heart in metazoans are highlighted, starting with the evolutionary origin of the contractile cell, supposedly the precursor of cardiomyocytes. The last eukaryotic common ancestor is likely a combination of several cellular organisms containing their specific metabolic pathways and genetic signaling networks. During evolution, these tool kits diversified. Shared parts of these conserved tool kits act in the development and functioning of pumping hearts and open or closed circulations in such diverse species as arthropods, mollusks, and chordates. The genetic tool kits became more complex by gene duplications, addition of epigenetic modifications, influence of environmental factors, incorporation of viral genomes, cardiac changes necessitated by air‐breathing, and many others. We evaluate mechanisms involved in mollusks in the formation of three separate hearts and in arthropods in the formation of a tubular heart. A tubular heart is also present in embryonic stages of chordates, providing the septated four‐chambered heart, in birds and mammals passing through stages with first and second heart fields. The four‐chambered heart permits the formation of high‐pressure systemic and low‐pressure pulmonary circulation in birds and mammals, allowing for high metabolic rates and maintenance of body temperature. Crocodiles also have a (nearly) separated circulation, but their resting temperature conforms with the environment. We argue that endothermic ancestors lost the capacity to elevate their body temperature during evolution, resulting in ectothermic modern crocodilians. Finally, a clinically relevant paragraph reviews the occurrence of congenital cardiac malformations in humans as derailments of signaling pathways during embryonic development. The cardiac regulatory toolkit contains many factors including epigenetic, genetic, viral, hemodynamic, and environmental factors, but also transcriptional activators, repressors, duplicated genes, redundancies and dose‐dependancies. Numerous toolkits regulate mechanisms including cell‐cell interactions, EMT, mitosis patterns, cell migration and differentiation and left/right sidedness involved in the development of endocardial cushions, looping, septum complexes, pharyngeal arch arteries, chamber and valve formation and conduction system. Evolutionary development of the yolk sac circulation likely preceded the advent of endothermy in amniotes. Parallel evolutionary traits regulate the development of contractile pumps in various taxa often in conjunction with the gut, lungs and excretory organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Poelmann
- Institute of Biology, Department of Animal Sciences and Health, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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10
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Jensen B. Commemoration of Comparative Cardiac Anatomy of the Reptilia I-IV. J Morphol 2019; 280:623-626. [PMID: 30741427 PMCID: PMC6594047 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of the anatomy of hearts of ectothermic saurosids, or colloquially “reptiles”, was much advanced by the publication of the series of four papers under the heading of Comparative Cardiac Anatomy of the Reptilia in Journal of Morphology between 1971 and 1981. Here, I commemorate the papers, show how they moved our understanding forwards, and briefly describe the state‐of‐the‐art.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjarke Jensen
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Kroneman JGH, Faber JW, Schouten JCM, Wolschrijn CF, Christoffels VM, Jensen B. Comparative analysis of avian hearts provides little evidence for variation among species with acquired endothermy. J Morphol 2019; 280:395-410. [PMID: 30667083 PMCID: PMC6590421 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mammals and birds acquired high performance hearts and endothermy during their independent evolution from amniotes with many sauropsid features. A literature review shows that the variation in atrial morphology is greater in mammals than in ectothermic sauropsids. We therefore hypothesized that the transition from ectothermy to endothermy was associated with greater variation in cardiac structure. We tested the hypothesis in 14 orders of birds by assessing the variation in 15 cardiac structures by macroscopic inspection and histology, with an emphasis on the atria as they have multiple features that lend themselves to quantification. We found bird hearts to have multiple features in common with ectothermic sauropsids (synapomorphies), such as the presence of three sinus horns. Convergent features were shared with crocodylians and mammals, such as the cranial offset of the left atrioventricular junction. Other convergent features, like the compact organization of the atrial walls, were shared with mammals only. Pacemaker myocardium, identified by Isl1 expression, was anatomically node‐like (Mallard), thickened (Chicken), or indistinct (Lesser redpoll, Jackdaw). Some features were distinctly avian, (autapomorphies) including the presence of a left atrial antechamber and the ventral merger of the left and right atrial auricles, which was found in some species of parrots and passerines. Most features, however, exhibited little variation. For instance, there were always three systemic veins and two pulmonary veins, whereas among mammals there are 2–3 and 1–7, respectively. Our findings suggest that the transition to high cardiac performance does not necessarily lead to a greater variation in cardiac structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle G H Kroneman
- Department of Pathobiology, Anatomy and Physiology division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Meibergdreef 15, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaeike W Faber
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Meibergdreef 15, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacobine C M Schouten
- Department of Pathobiology, Anatomy and Physiology division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia F Wolschrijn
- Department of Pathobiology, Anatomy and Physiology division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent M Christoffels
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Meibergdreef 15, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bjarke Jensen
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Meibergdreef 15, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Jensen B, Wang T, Moorman AFM. Evolution and Development of the Atrial Septum. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2018; 302:32-48. [PMID: 30338646 PMCID: PMC6588001 DOI: 10.1002/ar.23914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The complete division of the atrial cavity by a septum, resulting in a left and right atrium, is found in many amphibians and all amniotes (reptiles, birds, and mammals). Surprisingly, it is only in eutherian, or placental, mammals that full atrial septation necessitates addition from a second septum. The high incidence of incomplete closure of the atrial septum in human, so-called probe patency, suggests this manner of closure is inefficient. We review the evolution and development of the atrial septum to understand the peculiar means of forming the atrial septum in eutherian mammals. The most primitive atrial septum is found in lungfishes and comprises a myocardial component with a mesenchymal cap on its leading edge, reminiscent to the primary atrial septum of embryonic mammals before closure of the primary foramen. In reptiles, birds, and mammals, the primary foramen is closed by the mesenchymal tissues of the atrioventricular cushions, the dorsal mesenchymal protrusion, and the mesenchymal cap. These tissues are also found in lungfishes. The closure of the primary foramen is preceded by the development of secondary perforations in the septal myocardium. In all amniotes, with the exception of eutherian mammals, the secondary perforations do not coalesce to a secondary foramen. Instead, the secondary perforations persist and are sealed by myocardial and endocardial growth after birth or hatching. We suggest that the error-prone secondary foramen allows large volumes of oxygen-rich blood to reach the cardiac left side, needed to sustain the growth of the extraordinary large offspring that characterizes eutherian mammals. Anat Rec, 302:32-48, 2019. © 2018 The Authors. The Anatomical Record published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Anatomists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjarke Jensen
- Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tobias Wang
- Department of Bioscience, Zoophysiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Antoon F M Moorman
- Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Young BA, Adams J, Segal S, Kondrashova T. Hemodynamics of tonic immobility in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) identified through Doppler ultrasonography. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2018; 204:953-964. [PMID: 30259097 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-018-1293-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) held inverted exhibit tonic immobility, combining unresponsiveness with flaccid paralysis. We hypothesize that inverting the alligator causes a gravitationally promoted increase in right aortic blood flowing through the foramen of Panizza, with a concurrent decrease in blood flow through the primary carotid, and thereby of cerebral perfusion. Inverting the alligator results in displacement of the liver, post-pulmonary septum, and the heart. EKG analysis revealed a significant decrease in heart rate following inversion; this decrease was maintained for approximately 45 s after inversion which is in general agreement with the total duration of tonic immobility in alligators (49 s). Doppler ultrasonography revealed that following inversion of the alligator, there was a reversal in direction of blood flow through the foramen of Panizza, and this blood flow had a significant increase in velocity (compared to the foraminal flow in the prone alligator). There was an associated significant decrease in the velocity of blood flow through the primary carotid artery once the alligator was held in the supine position. Tonic immobility in the alligator appears to be a form of vasovagal syncope which arises, in part, from the unique features of the crocodilian heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A Young
- Department of Anatomy, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University, Kirksville, MO, 63501, USA.
| | - James Adams
- Department of Anatomy, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University, Kirksville, MO, 63501, USA
| | - Solomon Segal
- Department of Anatomy, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University, Kirksville, MO, 63501, USA
| | - Tatyana Kondrashova
- Department of Family Medicine, Preventitive Medicine, and Community Health, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University, Kirksville, MO, 63501, USA
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Jacyniak K, Vickaryous MK. Constitutive cardiomyocyte proliferation in the leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius
). J Morphol 2018; 279:1355-1367. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Jacyniak
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph; Guelph Ontario Canada
| | - Matthew K. Vickaryous
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph; Guelph Ontario Canada
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Jensen B, H Smit T. Examples of Weak, If Not Absent, Form-Function Relations in the Vertebrate Heart. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2018; 5:E46. [PMID: 30205545 PMCID: PMC6162483 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd5030046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
That form and function are related is a maxim of anatomy and physiology. Yet, form-function relations can be difficult to prove. Human subjects with excessive trabeculated myocardium in the left ventricle, for example, are diagnosed with non-compaction cardiomyopathy, but the extent of trabeculations may be without relation to ejection fraction. Rather than rejecting a relation between form and function, we may ask whether the salient function is assessed. Is there a relation to electrical propagation, mean arterial blood pressure, or propensity to form blood clots? In addition, how should the extent of trabeculated muscle be assessed? While reviewing literature on trabeculated muscle, we applied Tinbergen's four types of causation-how does it work, why does it work, how is it made, and why did it evolve-to better parse what is meant by form and function. The paper is structured around cases that highlight advantages and pitfalls of applying Tinbergen's questions. It further uses the evolution of lunglessness in amphibians to argue that lung reduction impacts on chamber septation and it considers the evolution of an arterial outflow in fishes to argue that reductions in energy consumption may drive structural changes with little consequences to function. Concerning trabeculations, we argue they relate to pumping function in the embryo in the few weeks before the onset of coronary circulation. In human fetal and postnatal stages, a spectrum of trabeculated-to-compact myocardium makes no difference to cardiac function and in this period, form and function may appear unrelated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjarke Jensen
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Meibergdreef 15, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Theodoor H Smit
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Meibergdreef 15, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Anderson RH, Mori S, Spicer DE, Sanchez-Quintana D, Jensen B. The Anatomy, Development, and Evolution of the Atrioventricular Conduction Axis. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2018; 5:jcdd5030044. [PMID: 30135383 PMCID: PMC6162790 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd5030044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now well over 100 years since Sunao Tawara clarified the location of the axis of the specialised myocardium responsible for producing coordinated ventricular activation. Prior to that stellar publication, controversies had raged as to how many bundles crossed the place of the atrioventricular insulation as found in mammalian hearts, as well as the very existence of the bundle initially described by Wilhelm His Junior. It is, perhaps surprising that controversies continue, despite the multiple investigations that have taken place since the publication of Tawara’s monograph. For example, we are still unsure as to the precise substrates for the so-called slow and fast pathways into the atrioventricular node. Much has been done, nonetheless, to characterise the molecular make-up of the specialised pathways, and to clarify their mechanisms of development. Of this work itself, a significant part has emanated from the laboratory coordinated for a quarter of a century by Antoon FM Moorman. In this review, which joins the others in recognising the value of his contributions and collaborations, we review our current understanding of the anatomy, development, and evolution of the atrioventricular conduction axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Anderson
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4EP, UK.
| | - Shumpei Mori
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Hyogo, Japan.
| | - Diane E Spicer
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Damian Sanchez-Quintana
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain.
| | - Bjarke Jensen
- University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Meibergdreef 15, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Katewa A, Sahu B, Jain V, Anderson RH. Triple Outlet Right Ventricle, With Duplication of the Aortic Root and Intrapericardial Ascending Aorta. World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg 2017; 11:NP94-NP98. [PMID: 29121837 DOI: 10.1177/2150135117735470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We present a case of a highly unusual congenital cardiac malformation, namely, triple outlet right ventricle with duplication of the aortic root and the intrapericardial component of the ascending aorta. A girl, aged five, presented with complaints of cyanosis and effort intolerance and was diagnosed with double-outlet right ventricle and subpulmonary infundibular stenosis. Intraoperatively, we noted that the aortic root was guarded by two separate aortic valves, oriented anteroposteriorly relative to each other, and separated within the right ventricle by a muscle bar. Postoperative interrogation by both echocardiography and computed tomography confirmed the surgical findings. To the best of our knowledge, our case is the first example of duplication of the aortic root to produce triple outlet right ventricle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Katewa
- Department of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital, Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Balswaroop Sahu
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital, Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Vishal Jain
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Pandit JNM Medical College, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Robert H Anderson
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
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