Genetic ablation of serotonin receptor 2B improves aortic valve hemodynamics of Notch1 heterozygous mice in a high-cholesterol diet model

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a deadly disease that is rising in prevalence due to population aging. While the disease is complex and poorly understood, one well-documented driver of valvulopathy is serotonin agonism. Both serotonin overexpression, as seen with carcinoid tumors and drug-related agonism, such as with Fenfluramine use, are linked with various diseases of the valves. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine if genetic ablation or pharmacological antagonism of the 5-HT(2B) serotonin receptor (gene: Htr2b) could improve the hemodynamic and histological progression of calcific aortic valve disease. Htr2b mutant mice were crossed with Notch1(+/-) mice, an established small animal model of CAVD, to determine if genetic ablation affects CAVD progression. To assess the effect of pharmacological inhibition on CAVD progression, Notch1(+/-) mice were treated with the 5-HT(2B) receptor antagonist SB204741. Mice were analyzed using echocardiography, histology, immunofluorescence, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Htr2b mutant mice showed lower aortic valve peak velocity and mean pressure gradient–classical hemodynamic indicators of aortic valve stenosis–without concurrent left ventricle change. 5-HT(2B) receptor antagonism, however, did not affect hemodynamic progression. Leaflet thickness, collagen density, and CAVD-associated transcriptional markers were not significantly different in any group. This study reveals that genetic ablation of Htr2b attenuates hemodynamic development of CAVD in the Notch1(+/-) mice, but pharmacological antagonism may require high doses or long-term treatment to slow progression.