Selective Stimulation of Cardiac Lymphangiogenesis Reduces Myocardial Edema and Fibrosis Leading to Improved Cardiac Function Following Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

We show that, despite the endogenous cardiac lymphangiogenic response post-MI, the remodeling and dysfunction of collecting ducts contribute to the development of chronic myocardial edema and inflammation-aggravating cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction. Moreover, our data reveal that therapeutic lymphangiogenesis may be a promising new approach for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.