Microvascular endothelial cells remodel cultured adult cardiomyocytes and increase their survival

Research was conducted to examine the paracrine effect of cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (MVEC) on cultured rat cardiomyocytes. Serum-free medium-stimulated myocytes were analyzed by confocal laser microscopy and showed actin staining throughout the whole cell body up to the peripheral extensions with concomitant appearance of myomesin in a cross-striated pattern. Results suggest that in the absence of mechanical load heart MVEC generate trophic factors that are highly effective in the reorganization of the contractile apparatus, the increase of survival in adult cardiac myocytes and the induction of protein synthesis.