Abstract
Endomyocardial specimens were obtained from 7 patients with acute myocarditis. Immunohistochemical examination of the mononuclear infiltrate showed mainly cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Perforin (a pore-forming protein found in cytotoxic lymphocytes) was identified in this myocardial lymphocytic infiltrate and electron microscopy showed myocardial cell damage that may have been associated with these perforin containing lymphocytes. The results indicate that in acute idiopathic and viral myocarditis, myocardial damage may be due to the action of perforin-secreting lymphocytes.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Acute Disease
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Antibodies, Monoclonal
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Humans
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Immunoenzyme Techniques
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Killer Cells, Natural / chemistry
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Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism
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Membrane Glycoproteins*
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Membrane Proteins / analysis*
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Membrane Proteins / metabolism
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Microscopy, Electron
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Myocarditis / metabolism
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Myocarditis / pathology*
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Myocardium / pathology*
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Myocardium / ultrastructure
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Perforin
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Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins
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Staining and Labeling
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T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / chemistry
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T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / metabolism
Substances
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Antibodies, Monoclonal
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Membrane Glycoproteins
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Membrane Proteins
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Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins
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Perforin