ISSN:
1860-1499
Keywords:
Immunoelectron microscopy
;
Dilated cardiomyopathy
;
Immunocytochemistry
;
Desmin filament
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Desmin filaments specific for muscle cells, normally localized at the Z band level and intercalated discs, may play an important role in maintaining the structure of the cardiomyocytes. By immunoelectron microscopy, we examined the distribution of desmin in endomyocardial biopsy samples of 10 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. We found an increased number of desmin filaments characterized by a disordered arrangement in the myocytes. Desmin immunolabeling was transversely and longitudinally distributed at the Z band level and near the intercalated discs within the cytoplasm of the myocytes lacking myofilaments. These data suggest that desmin filaments could play a role in the defence mechanisms of the cardiomyocytes threatened by stress overloading in the diseased human heart.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02349666
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