Layer-specific mechanical responses and morphological structure of Atrioventricular Valve Leaflets

Abstract

The mitral valve (MV) and tricuspid valve (TV) leaflets are composed of extracellular matrix (ECM) and valve interstitial cells organized heterogeneously to form four morphologically distinct layers [1]. The biomechanical properties of the valve leaflets are primarily determined by their ECM components—elastin, collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and proteoglycans [2]. Although the biomechanical properties of the intact MV and TV leaflets have been extensively investigated, little information exists on the mechanical properties of the individual leaflet layers. Hence, we aim to elucidate the relation between the mechanical response and structural properties of individual layers of the atrioventricular leaflets.