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. 2007 Aug 29;362(1484):1437-43.
doi: 10.1098/rstb.2007.2126.

Molecular and functional characteristics of heart-valve interstitial cells

Adrian H Chester  1 , Patricia M Taylor
Affiliations

Molecular and functional characteristics of heart-valve interstitial cells

Adrian H Chester et al. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. .

Abstract

The cells that reside within valve cusps play an integral role in the durability and function of heart valves. There are principally two types of cells found in cusp tissue: the endothelial cells that cover the surface of the cusps and the interstitial cells (ICs) that form a network within the extracellular matrix (ECM) within the body of the cusp. Both cell types exhibit unique functions that are unlike those of other endothelial and ICs found throughout the body. The valve ICs express a complex pattern of cell-surface, cytoskeletal and muscle proteins. They are able to bind to, and communicate with, each other and the ECM. The endothelial cells on the outflow and inflow surfaces of the valve differ from one another. Their individual characteristics and functions reflect the fact that they are exposed to separate patterns of flow and pressure. In addition to providing a structural role in the valve, it is now known that the biological function of valve cells is important in maintaining the integrity of the cusps and the optimum function of the valve. In response to inappropriate stimuli, valve interstitial and endothelial cells may also participate in processes that lead to valve degeneration and calcification. Understanding the complex biology of valve interstitial and endothelial cells is an important requirement in elucidating the mechanisms that regulate valve function in health and disease, as well as setting a benchmark for the function of cells that may be used to tissue engineer a heart valve.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Photomicrographs of a porcine aortic valve leaflet stained with calcein AM. The panel shows a confocal slice at z=200 μm from ventricular surface showing ICs.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Composite photomicrograph of sections of porcine aortic roots shown staining (brown colour) for antibodies against (a) smooth muscle cell α-actin and (b) smooth muscle cell myosin.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Graphs showing the release of IL12, IL10, TNF-α and IL-6 from cultured valve ICs in response to increasing concentration of lipopolysaccride over a 24 h period.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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