P10.08 PULMONARY ARTERY CALCIFICATION IN RACEHORSES

DOI

10.1016/j.artres.2009.10.139How to use a DOI?

Abstract

Vascular calcification (VC) has been sporadically reported in horses, but little is known regarding cause, pathogenesis and clinical significance.

We hypothesized that in horses, structural and molecular changes may occur during VC that are comparable to human and mouse models. We surveyed Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses (n=101) for the prevalence, distribution and severity of VC. Histopathological, ultrastructural imaging and energy dispersive X-ray elemental analyses were used to examine the lesions. Immunohistochemistry for cell markers (smooth muscle α-actin, SM22α and Sox9) was performed in selected samples from control (n=10), mildly (n=10), and severely (n=10) calcified arteries.

Results showed that calcification of the tunica media of mainly the pulmonary artery branches, was present in 82% of horses, and both breeds and genders were similarly affected. Lesions appeared as white-to-yellowish, hard, gritty plaques of variable size. Microscopically, elastic fibers were thin, fragmented and calcified, and surrounded by dense collagen matrix, as described for Mönckeberg sclerosis. Elemental analysis of the calcified areas was consistent with hydroxyapatite mineral.

No immunoreactivity for the smooth muscle cell markers, smooth muscle α-actin and SM22α was observed in cells found at the calcification site. Many of these cells had a chondrocytic phenotype appearance and showed immunoreactivity for Sox9, a chondrocyte marker.

Arterial calcification in horses share histopathological features with arterial medial calcification in humans and may result in similar physiological abnormalities such as vascular stiffness. The occurrence of VC in young racing horses indicates the need to investigate its pathogenesis and potential clinical implications.

Open Access

This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC license.

Download article (PDF)
View full text (HTML)

TY  - JOUR
AU  - L.G. Arroyo
AU  - M.A. Hayes
AU  - L. Viel
PY  - 2009
DA  - 2009/12/03
TI  - P10.08 PULMONARY ARTERY CALCIFICATION IN RACEHORSES
JO  - Artery Research
SP  - 192
EP  - 192
VL  - 3
IS  - 4
SN  - 1876-4401
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.artres.2009.10.139
DO  - 10.1016/j.artres.2009.10.139
ID  - Arroyo2009
ER  -