Immunohistochemical Assessment of Cardiac Macrophages in the Aged Fischer 344 Rat.
Abstract
Macrophages have multiple roles in the heart including immune surveillance and extracellular matrix remodeling. Aging increases both collagen deposition and macrophage number in the heart; however, rodent models used to study cardiac macrophages have age-related comorbidities such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. The Fischer 344 rat does not develop these conditions with aging; therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate macrophage number and polarization in the hearts of aged (24-month) and young (6-month) Fischer 344 rats. Paraffin-embedded hearts were assessed for collagen deposition and immunolabeled for CD68, CD163, CD206, and galectin-3. Compared with young rats, significantly greater collagen deposition was observed in the old rats. There were no significant differences in CD68
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Research summary
The study investigates the differences in cardiac macrophage populations and collagen deposition between aged and young Fischer 344 rats. This research is relevant as it explores the cellular mechanisms associated with aging in the heart, which could contribute to understanding the aging process and potential interventions.
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