Increased Expression of Stem Cell Factor and Its Receptor After Left Ventricular Assist Device Support: A Potential Novel Target for Therapeutic Interventions in Heart Failure

LVADs cause an increase of SCF and c-Kit gene expression, which coincides with a surge of mast cells after ventricular unloading. This suggests that SCF functions as an important mediator for the recruitment of mast cells to the mechanically unloaded human heart.