Chymase is a protease stored in mast cell granules that produces angiotensin II (ANG II) from angiotensin I (ANG I) and is associated with tissue injury, inflammation, and remodeling, especially involving the cardiovascular system. As cardiovascular events occur, chymase is activated by degranulation to the extracellular matrix. Although chymase has been suggested to be associated with cardiovascular disease progression, there are not enough reports in veterinary medicine. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common congenital cardiac disease in veterinary medicine. Almost all cases of PDA can be treated surgically to prevent the development of congestive heart disease and/or pulmonary hypertension. The aims of the present study were to measure chymase activity before and after PDA occlusions, and to investigate the relationships between the congestive and hemodynamic states of PDA and chymase activity. In the present study, 17 puppies diagnosed with PDA were included and all puppies completely recovered to the level of healthy dogs. Chymase activity significantly decreased at 2 months after the operation, along with the echocardiography parameters of congestion. Therefore, plasma chymase activity may be useful as a novel predictor for understanding the hemodynamics of PDA in veterinary medicine.
Keywords: chymase; echocardiography; patent ductus arteriosus.