Media
Get a closer look at our research process, learn about our lab's equipment, and explore microscopy images on myocarditis, fibrosis and pericardial inflammation as we work to understand the pathogenesis of disease characterized by sex differences.
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Evaluating heart function
Echocardiogram is used to determine heart function in our myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy model using equipment that's similar to the equipment used for patients. We're able to assess how well the heart is pumping and how it looks structurally and to detect heart failure. Here, former lab staff member Katelyn A. Bruno, Ph.D., examines diastolic heart function in myocarditis to determine the effect of a novel potential regenerative medicine therapy.
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Mast cell degranulation in the heart
Mast cells are key immune cells in many diseases, including allergy and asthma. We have found that mast cell degranulation also is important for disease progression in myocarditis.
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Microscopy
Histological analysis is a key component when studying myocarditis.
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Fibrosis along the pericardium
Acute myocarditis can cause scar tissue to be laid down, leading to chronic heart failure and the possible need for heart transplants in patients.
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Bench to bedside
Translational research and clinical sample analysis are key for breakthroughs to occur in the field.
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Pericardial inflammation
The first step in every experiment is determining how much inflammation is in the heart. When the inflammation is along the outside the heart, it's known as pericarditis.
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Immune cell populations
Assessment of specific immune cell populations can help determine the mechanism of disease.
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Chronic myocarditis with fibrosis
In some patients, myocarditis can lead to chronic myocarditis and heart failure. Immune cells (round dark blue cells) and fibrosis (areas of bright blue) infiltrate the heart, worsening heart function.