Animal Models and Methods of Myocardial Infarction Induction and the Role of Tissue Engineering in the Regeneration of Damaged Myocardium

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction of an animal experimental model for myocardial infarction (MI) has particular importance. Research done on large animals provides valuable information for the researchers because of the similar characteristics of their hearts compared with human, but the cost of purchasing and maintenance of them is high. In comparison, using small animals has advantages such as they are easy to work with and have low purchase and maintenance cost. However, in some of these animals, due to less similarity of the heart to human, cannot simulate the natural pathogenesis of human MI. Moreover, there are different methods for induction of MI in animals, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, the method must be chosen that can simulate the natural pathogenesis of MI with minimal complication. Today, attempts are being made for myocardial regeneration after MI using the direct transplantation of stem cells or with an engineered scaffold. The scaffold creates a 3D ambience for the cultured cells. The task of tissue engineering is to optimize the scaffold with appropriate systems for separation, proliferation, and differentiation of the desired cells until they are capable to promote the three-dimensional and appropriate growth of the tissue.The purpose of tissue engineering in cardiac is use of scaffold and cell in the damaged area, followed by the improvement of the heart function through the automatic pulsation, communication with the host vessels, and electrical coupling with the myocardium, eventually creating a force to increase the heart function.