Telocytes in the Hearts of Saanen Goats

Abstract

Telocytes, new interstitial cells that have received significant attention in recent years, have been detected in many organs, including the heart. The distinction between telocytes and other interstitial cells can only be made based on their ultrastructural characterization and immunophenotypic features. In this study, we examined the interstitial cells in the healthy heart tissues of Saanen goats to determine whether they are telocytes or not, by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining methods. The SEM revealed oval and round telocytes with two to four telopodes. Some telopodes also had podoms. The staining for immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence methods used for CD34, c-kit (CD117), and vimentin antibodies. Positive cells were detected in the heart muscle and heart valves by immunohistochemical staining. As these antigens can also be expressed by other non-telocyte cells, we used double immunofluorescence staining with CD34/c-kit and CD34/vimentin antibodies to identify true telocytes. Telocytes were determined in the right atrium and aortic valve. While telocytes were CD34+/c-kit+ and CD34+/vimentin+, fibroblasts were CD34-/vimentin+. These results confirm the presence of telocytes in the hearts of Saanen goats.