Table 1.
Animal species modeling myocardial regeneration after myocardial infarction
| Species | HR (bpm) | Blood pressure (SBP/DBP, mmHg) | αMHC% | Cardiomyocytes (% mononucleate in adulthood) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zebrafish Danio rerio |
73–152 |
1.51–2.16 0 |
12–53% | 95.6% |
| Mouse Mus muscularis |
300–800 |
110–160 80–110 |
>94–100% | <8.5% |
| Rat Rattus norvegicus domesticus |
250–500 |
80–180 55–140 |
>94–100% | 10–14% |
| Sheep Ovis aries |
60–120 |
90–120 100 |
0–13% | 8% |
| Human Homo sapiens |
60–120 |
90–140 60–80 |
5–10% | 40–75% |
The most widely utilized models of myocardial regeneration after MI are described above, with normal ranges for adult humans included for comparison. Myocardial response to MI has the potential to be strongly influenced by pressure and volume dynamics; therefore, the low-pressure systems of the zebrafish may not be ideal for predicting human physiology.15,39,40 Similarly, the percent of alpha-myosin heavy chain (αMHC) indicates the proportion of fast-twitch versus slow-twitch muscle fibers that are present in ventricular myocardium.15,41 Furthermore, the presence of mononucleated cardiomyocytes conveys an inherent regenerative potential that may not be maintained in adult humans; therefore, it is important to consider which species best models human pathophysiology when choosing a model.15,42,43