Published: Fetal cardiac troponin I levels decline towards birth in sheep

What is it about?

Cardiac troponins are molecules involved in contraction of the heart. These molecules are used as biomarkers of cardiac damage when when are present in the circulation. Levels of cardiac troponins are known to be elevated at birth, although it is not known why.

Why is it important?

Cardiac troponins in the blood appear to be normal in healthy infants at birth. However, even these moderate levels may reflect an important cellular event. Understand more about when these molecules are present in the blood will help us interpret their meaning.

Find this paper at the American Journal of Physiology and on Pubmed.