Name: high-resolution optical mapping of the mouse sino-atrial node
Uploaded: 2016-12-02T11:30:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about High-resolution Optical Mapping of the Mouse Sino-atrial Node at JoVE.com

We are supported by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School start-up (A.V.G.).

All experiments were conducted in accordance with the National Institutes of Health Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (NIH Pub. No. 80-23). All methods and protocols used in these studies have been approved by The University of Wisconsin Animal Care and Use Protocol Committee following the Guidelines for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals published by NIH (publication No. 85-23, revised 1996). All animals used in this study received humane care in compliance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
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	<li>Efimov, I. R., Nikolski, V. P., Salama, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optical+imaging+of+the+heart.">Optical imaging of the heart.</a> Circ Res. 95 (1), 21-33 (2004).</li><li>Herron, T. J., Lee, P., Jalife, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optical+imaging+of+voltage+and+calcium+in+cardiac+cells+&amp;+tissues.">Optical imaging of voltage and calcium in cardiac cells &amp; tissues.</a> Circ Res. 110 (4), 609-623 (2012).</li><li>Fedorov, V. V., Glukhov, A. V., Chang, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Conduction+barriers+and+pathways+of+the+sino-atrial+pacemaker+complex:+their+role+in+normal+rhythm+and+atrial+arrhythmias.">Conduction barriers and pathways of the sino-atrial pacemaker complex: their role in normal rhythm and atrial arrhythmias.</a> Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. , (2012).</li><li>Boyett, M. R., Honjo, H., Kodama, I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+sinoatrial+node,+a+heterogeneous+pacemaker+structure.">The sinoatrial node, a heterogeneous pacemaker structure.</a> Cardiovasc Res. 47 (4), 658-687 (2000).</li><li>Glukhov, A. V., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sinoatrial+Node+Reentry+in+a+Canine+Chronic+Left+Ventricular+Infarct+Model:+The+Role+of+Intranodal+Fibrosis+and+Heterogeneity+of+Refractoriness.">Sinoatrial Node Reentry in a Canine Chronic Left Ventricular Infarct Model: The Role of Intranodal Fibrosis and Heterogeneity of Refractoriness.</a> Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. , (2013).</li><li>Glukhov, A. V., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Calsequestrin+2+deletion+causes+sinoatrial+node+dysfunction+and+atrial+arrhythmias+associated+with+altered+sarcoplasmic+reticulum+calcium+cycling+and+degenerative+fibrosis+within+the+mouse+atrial+pacemaker+complex.">Calsequestrin 2 deletion causes sinoatrial node dysfunction and atrial arrhythmias associated with altered sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium cycling and degenerative fibrosis within the mouse atrial pacemaker complex.</a> Eur Heart J. 36 (11), 686-697 (2015).</li><li>John, R. M., Kumar, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sinus+Node+and+Atrial+Arrhythmias.">Sinus Node and Atrial Arrhythmias.</a> Circulation. 133 (19), 1892-1900 (2016).</li><li>Swaminathan, P. D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Oxidized+CaMKII+causes+cardiac+sinus+node+dysfunction+in+mice.">Oxidized CaMKII causes cardiac sinus node dysfunction in mice.</a> J Clin Invest. 121 (8), 3277-3288 (2011).</li><li>Glukhov, A. V., Fedorov, V. V., Anderson, M. E., Mohler, P. J., Efimov, I. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Functional+anatomy+of+the+murine+sinus+node:+high-resolution+optical+mapping+of+ankyrin-B+heterozygous+mice.">Functional anatomy of the murine sinus node: high-resolution optical mapping of ankyrin-B heterozygous mice.</a> Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 299 (2), H482-H491 (2010).</li><li>Egom, E. E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Impaired+sinoatrial+node+function+and+increased+susceptibility+to+atrial+fibrillation+in+mice+lacking+natriuretic+peptide+receptor+C.">Impaired sinoatrial node function and increased susceptibility to atrial fibrillation in mice lacking natriuretic peptide receptor C.</a> J Physiol. 593 (5), 1127-1146 (2015).</li><li>Torrente, A. G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Burst+pacemaker+activity+of+the+sinoatrial+node+in+sodium-calcium+exchanger+knockout+mice.">Burst pacemaker activity of the sinoatrial node in sodium-calcium exchanger knockout mice.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 112 (31), 9769-9774 (2015).</li><li>Lang, D., Sulkin, M., Lou, Q., Efimov, I. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optical+mapping+of+action+potentials+and+calcium+transients+in+the+mouse+heart.">Optical mapping of action potentials and calcium transients in the mouse heart.</a> J Vis Exp. (55), e3275 (2011).</li><li>Fedorov, V. V., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Application+of+blebbistatin+as+an+excitation-contraction+uncoupler+for+electrophysiologic+study+of+rat+and+rabbit+hearts.">Application of blebbistatin as an excitation-contraction uncoupler for electrophysiologic study of rat and rabbit hearts.</a> Heart Rhythm. 4 (5), 619-626 (2007).</li><li>Swift, L. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Properties+of+blebbistatin+for+cardiac+optical+mapping+and+other+imaging+applications.">Properties of blebbistatin for cardiac optical mapping and other imaging applications.</a> Pflugers Arch. 464 (5), 503-512 (2012).</li><li>Laughner, J. I., Ng, F. S., Sulkin, M. S., Arthur, R. M., Efimov, I. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Processing+and+analysis+of+cardiac+optical+mapping+data+obtained+with+potentiometric+dyes.">Processing and analysis of cardiac optical mapping data obtained with potentiometric dyes.</a> Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 303 (7), H753-H765 (2012).</li><li>Liu, J., Dobrzynski, H., Yanni, J., Boyett, M. R., Lei, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Organisation+of+the+mouse+sinoatrial+node:+structure+and+expression+of+HCN+channels.">Organisation of the mouse sinoatrial node: structure and expression of HCN channels.</a> Cardiovasc Res. 73 (4), 729-738 (2007).</li><li>Verheijck, E. E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Electrophysiological+features+of+the+mouse+sinoatrial+node+in+relation+to+connexin+distribution.">Electrophysiological features of the mouse sinoatrial node in relation to connexin distribution.</a> Cardiovasc Res. 52 (1), 40-50 (2001).</li><li>Krishnaswamy, P. S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Altered+parasympathetic+nervous+system+regulation+of+the+sinoatrial+node+in+Akita+diabetic+mice.">Altered parasympathetic nervous system regulation of the sinoatrial node in Akita diabetic mice.</a> J Mol Cell Cardiol. 82, 125-135 (2015).</li><li>Nygren, A., Lomax, A. E., Giles, W. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Heterogeneity+of+action+potential+durations+in+isolated+mouse+left+and+right+atria+recorded+using+voltage-sensitive+dye+mapping.">Heterogeneity of action potential durations in isolated mouse left and right atria recorded using voltage-sensitive dye mapping.</a> Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 287 (6), H2634-H2643 (2004).</li><li>Efimov, I. R., Fedorov, V. V., Joung, B., Lin, S. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mapping+cardiac+pacemaker+circuits:+methodological+puzzles+of+the+sinoatrial+node+optical+mapping.">Mapping cardiac pacemaker circuits: methodological puzzles of the sinoatrial node optical mapping.</a> Circ Res. 106 (2), 255-271 (2010).</li><li>Aschar-Sobbi, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Increased+atrial+arrhythmia+susceptibility+induced+by+intense+endurance+exercise+in+mice+requires+TNFalpha.">Increased atrial arrhythmia susceptibility induced by intense endurance exercise in mice requires TNFalpha.</a> Nat Commun. 6, 6018 (2015).</li><li>Hansen, B. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Atrial+fibrillation+driven+by+micro-anatomic+intramural+re-entry+revealed+by+simultaneous+sub-epicardial+and+sub-endocardial+optical+mapping+in+explanted+human+hearts.">Atrial fibrillation driven by micro-anatomic intramural re-entry revealed by simultaneous sub-epicardial and sub-endocardial optical mapping in explanted human hearts.</a> Eur Heart J. 36 (35), 2390-2401 (2015).</li><li>Lang, D., Petrov, V., Lou, Q., Osipov, G., Efimov, I. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Spatiotemporal+control+of+heart+rate+in+a+rabbit+heart.">Spatiotemporal control of heart rate in a rabbit heart.</a> J Electrocardiol. 44 (6), 626-634 (2011).</li><li>Kanlop, N., Sakai, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optical+mapping+study+of+blebbistatin-induced+chaotic+electrical+activities+in+isolated+rat+atrium+preparations.">Optical mapping study of blebbistatin-induced chaotic electrical activities in isolated rat atrium preparations.</a> J Physiol Sci. 60 (2), 109-117 (2010).</li><li>Glukhov, A. V., Flagg, T. P., Fedorov, V. V., Efimov, I. R., Nichols, C. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Differential+K(ATP)+channel+pharmacology+in+intact+mouse+heart.">Differential K(ATP) channel pharmacology in intact mouse heart.</a> J Mol Cell Cardiol. 48 (1), 152-160 (2010).</li><li>Wu, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Altered+sinoatrial+node+function+and+intra-atrial+conduction+in+murine+gain-of-function+Scn5a+/DeltaKPQ+hearts+suggest+an+overlap+syndrome.">Altered sinoatrial node function and intra-atrial conduction in murine gain-of-function Scn5a+/DeltaKPQ hearts suggest an overlap syndrome.</a> Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 302 (7), H1510-H1523 (2012).</li></ol>

Here, we presented two types of mouse SAN preparations: 1) intact SAN in the Langendorff-perfused whole heart, and 2) SAN in the isolated, opened atrial preparation. These two types of preparation serve different experimental purposes. In the Langendorff-perfused whole heart preparation, the intact atrial structure is preserved which makes it possible to study complex atrial arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation as well as interactions between the SAN and atrium during reentrant tachyarrhythmias.6 In contras...

Novel scientific breakthroughs that lead to leaps in the understanding of human physiology are often preceded by technological advances. Fluorescent optical mapping, for example, enables investigation of multiple physiological parameters in both cells and tissues.1,2 It significantly improved our understanding of how the anatomical structure is associated with electrophysiological functions and dysfunctions. In the heart, the natural pacemaker and conduction systems such as the sinoatrial node (SAN) and the atrioventricular junction consist of nodal myocytes that are insulated by the surrounding atrial myocytes.3-5 Such organization creates complex three-dimensional structures with specialized electrical properties. Both structural and functional remodeling of these pacemaker structures has been recognized to form significant electrophysiological heterogeneities.6,7 Understanding the mechanism underlying how such heterogeneities result in SAN dysfunctions and atrial arrhythmogenesis will dramatically benefit the clinical treatment of these diseases. It requires a technique to visualize the propagation of electrical signals at the tissue level, such as optical mapping. 
Recently, accumulating evidence has proven the advance of optical mapping in studies of atrial electrophysiology and pathology.2 However, novel and rigorous studies are dependent on the accurate interpretation of experimental data, whose validity and stability rely on careful experiment protocols. Genetically modified mice are extensively used for research as animal models of human diseases including sick sinus syndrome, pacemaker abnormalities and atrial arrhythmias.6,8-11 Thus, a combination of fluorescent optical mapping with transgenic mouse models provides a powerful tool to study cardiac electrical abnormalities associated with various pathologies. In this paper, we present a protocol for high-resolution optical mapping of the mouse SAN and atrium. Specifically, we discuss and compare different dye loading approaches, time effects on dye bleaching and heart rate stability during the experiment.

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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:395px;">water jacket</td>
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			<td colspan="2" style="width:409px;">1660 Series Tissue Bath for Large Organ or Single Cell Isolation Procedures</td>
		</tr>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">water bath / circulator</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>1016S</td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">pressure amplifier</td>
			<td>AD Instruments</td>
			<td>MLT0670</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">EMD Millipore Nylon Net Filters</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Pressure transducer</td>
			<td>AD Instruments</td>
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			<td>World Precision Instruments</td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Vannas Tubingen scissors&#160;</td>
			<td>World Precision Instruments</td>
			<td>503379</td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Dumont forceps</td>
			<td>World Precision Instruments</td>
			<td>501201, 500085</td>
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			<td>World Precision Instruments</td>
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			<td>World Precision Instruments</td>
			<td>501241</td>
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			<td>World Precision Instruments</td>
			<td>15917</td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Iris scissors</td>
			<td>World Precision Instruments</td>
			<td>501263</td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">ECG 12 mm needle (29-gauge) electrodes (monopolar)&#160;</td>
			<td>AD Instruments</td>
			<td>MLA1203</td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">in-line Luer injection port</td>
			<td>Ibidi</td>
			<td>10820</td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Ultima-L CMOS camera&#160;</td>
			<td>SciMedia</td>
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			<td>Moritex USA Inc</td>
			<td>MHAB-150W</td>
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			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:395px;">NaCl</td>
			<td style="width:200px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:243px;">S271-1</td>
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			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:395px;">CaCl2 (2H2O)</td>
			<td style="width:200px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:243px;">C79-500</td>
			<td style="width:167px;"></td>
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			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:395px;">KCl</td>
			<td style="width:200px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:243px;">S217-500</td>
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			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:395px;">MgCl2 (6H2O)</td>
			<td style="width:200px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
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			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:395px;">NaH2PO4 (H2O)</td>
			<td style="width:200px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:243px;">S369-500</td>
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			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:395px;">NaHCO3</td>
			<td style="width:200px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
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			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:395px;">D-Glucose</td>
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			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:395px;">Blebbistatin</td>
			<td style="width:200px;">Tocris Bioscience</td>
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			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:395px;">RH237</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher Scientific</td>
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high-resolution optical mapping of the mouse sino-atrial node

Sino-atrial node (SAN) dysfunctions and associated complications constitute important causes of morbidity in patients with cardiac diseases. The development of novel pharmacological therapies to cure these patients relies on the thorough understanding of both normal physiology and pathophysiology of the SAN. Among the studies of cardiac pacemaking, the mouse SAN is widely used due to its feasibility for modifications in the expression of different genes that encode SAN ion channels or calcium handling proteins. Emerging evidence from electrophysiological and histological studies has also proved the representativeness and similarity of the mouse SAN structure and functions to larger mammals, including the presence of specialized conduction pathways from the SAN to the atrium and a complex pacemakers' hierarchy within the SAN. Recently, the technique of optical mapping has greatly facilitated the exploration and investigation of the origin of excitation and conduction within and from the mouse SAN, which in turn has extended the understanding of the SAN and benefited clinical treatments of SAN dysfunction associated diseases. In this manuscript, we have described in detail how to perform the optical mapping of the mouse SAN from the intact, Langendorff-perfused heart and from the isolated atrial preparation. This protocol is a useful tool to enhance the understanding of mouse SAN physiology and pathophysiology.

Optical Mapping of the Intact SAN from the Langendorff-perfused Heart 
A typical example of an RA activation contour map reconstructed for spontaneous sinus rhythm is shown in Figure 3 for a Langendorff-perfused mouse heart. The early activation point is located within the intercaval region near the SVC where the SAN is anatomically defined.3,16 Two RA activation contour maps acquired at 1.0 and 0.5 msec sampling rate are shown in ...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about High-resolution Optical Mapping of the Mouse Sino-atrial Node at JoVE.com

High-resolution Optical Mapping of the Mouse Sino-atrial Node

Here, we present a protocol for optical mapping of electrical activity from the mouse right atrium and especially the sino-atrial node, at a high spatial and temporal resolution.

Sino-atrial node (SAN) dysfunctions and associated complications constitute important causes of morbidity in patients with cardiac diseases. The ...

The overall goal of this experimental protocol is to perform optical mapping of the mouse sinoatrial node from an intact Langendorff-perfused heart or an isolated atrial preparation. This method can help answer key questions in the sinoatrial node electro-and pathophysiology field about the mechanisms of pacemaker abnormalities, sick sinus syndrome, and various diseases associated atrial arrhythmias. The main advantage of this technique is that it enables the investigation of multiple parameters in the intact tissues with very high spatial and atemporal resolution.After confirming the appropriate level of anesthesia by toe pinch, use curved 5.5 inch Mayo scissors and 5.5 inch Kelly Hemostatic Forceps to make a one centimeter incision on the front of the thorax. Using four inch curved Iris Forceps, quickly grasp the lung tissue and use four thirds inch Iris scissors to cut out the lung, thymus, and heart together, along with the pericardium. Wash the tissues in oxygenated 37 degree Celsius modified Tyrode solution.Then use curved three inch Vannas Tubingen scissors and four thirds inch number five forceps to remove the lung, thymus, and fat tissue from the heart. Next, use a custom made 21 gauge cannula and two curved 4.3 inch number five B forceps to cannulate the aorta and simultaneously perfuse and superfuse the heart with 37 degree Celsius Tyrode solution directing the solution through an inline 11 micron nylon filter prior to the perfusion to prevent clogging of the coronary circulation. Then connect a pressure transducer to a Luer lock on the perfusion line via a three-way stopcock to monitor the aortic pressure adjusting the perfusion speed to maintain the aortic pressure between 60 to 80 millimeters of mercury as necessary.For optical mapping of the sinoatrial node from a Langendorff-perfused heart, position the organ in a horizontal orientation with the posterior side facing up in a glass tissue organ bath chamber and use 0.1 millimeter diameter pins to fix the ventricular apex to the silicone-coated bottom of the chamber to prevent stream-induced movement during the experiment. Insert a small silicone tube into the left ventricle via the pulmonary vein, the left atria, and the mitral valve and use a 40 silk suture to fix the tube to the surrounding connective tissue. Next, use another 40 silk suture to noose the superior and inferior vena cavae and pin the edge of the right atrial appendage to the bottom of the chamber.Stretch and pin the other end of the suture to the bottom of the chamber and place a custom-made pacing electrode on the edge of the right atrial appendage. Then place two electrocardiogram 12 millimeter needle monopolar electrodes near the base of the right and left ventricles and place the ground electrocardiogram electrode near the ventricle apex. To stain the tissue, inject the diluted dye into an inline perfusion port of the coronary perfusion line for delivery over a five to seven minute period.After 20 minutes of stabilization, add 0.5 milliliters of 37 degree Celsius blebbistatin into the perfusate followed by the injection of 0.1 milliliters of blebbistatin diluted in 1 milliliter of 37 degree Celsius Tyrode solution into the coronary perfusion line over another five to seven minutes using an inline Luer lock injection port. Blebbistatin should be used with caution. To prevent precipitation of the inhibitor, first dissolve the blebbistatin in medium that has been warmed to a clear 37 degrees and vigorously stir the mixture.To optically map the sample, first fix a small covered glass onto the surface of the solution over the tissue to reduce any motion artifacts from the vibrating solution. Then using a flexible bifurcated light guide with an excitation light provided by a constant current, low noise, halogen lamp, direct the filtered light beam onto the tissue and image the resulting fluorescent signal. After cannulating the heart as just demonstrated, dissect the ventricles away from the anterior side and open the right atrium through the tricuspid valve along the tricuspid valve superior vena cava axis followed by an incision through the medial limb of the crista terminalis.To open the anterior atrial free wall, make an incision from the midline of the medial limb incision to the edge of the right bottom corner of the right atrial appendage and pin the flattened atrial free wall to the bottom of a silicone-coated chamber. To open the left atrial appendage, cut through the mitral valve along the mitral valve upper corner of the left atrial appendage. Then pin the opened left atrium as it was previously done for the right atrium.Then partially remove the ventricular tissue. Preserve a rim of ventricular tissue for pinning the preparation to prevent damage to the atria and pin the tissue to the bottom of a Sylgard-coated chamber. Now lift the final preparation by about 0.5 millimeters from the bottom of the silicone-coated chamber to allow superfusion from both the epicardial and endocardial surfaces and superfuse the sample with 37 degree Celsius Tyrode solution.Then place a custom-made pacing silver chloride electrode on the edge of the dissected right atrial appendage. Place one electrocardiogram 12 millimeter needle mono polar electrode near each of the right and left atrial appendages, and place the ground electrocardiogram electrode near the atrial ventricular junction. To stain the heart tissue, use a 1 millimeter pipette to slowly release voltage-sensitive dye diluted in 37 degree Celsius Tyrode solution directly onto the tissue.Then immobilize the sample with the direct application of diluted blebbistatin onto the tissue followed by the administration of another 0.5 milliliters of blebbistatin via the perfusate and optically map the sample as just demonstrated. The tissue staining and blebbistatin inhibition steps are critical requiring accurate implementation and a precise staining procedure so that the atrial physiological parameters including the heart rate, allocation of the leading pacemaker and atrial conduction are not affected. Here a typical right atrial activation contour map reconstructed for spontaneous sinus rhythm for a Langendorff-perfused mouse heart with two corresponding right atrial contour maps acquired at 1 and 0.5 millisecond sampling rates are shown.The early activation point is located within the intercaval region near the superior vena cava where the sinoatrial node is anatomically defined. In this experiment, after right atrial appendage pacing for at least one minute at 10 to 12 Hertz, the electrical stimulation was stopped and the sinoatrial node recovery time was calculated as the time interval between the last captured action potential and the first spontaneous action potential. Activation of the isolated atrial preparation during spontaneous sinus rhythm allows the precise area of the leading pacemaker location to be identified.If the surgery and dye loading procedures are followed appropriately, no significant changes in the physiological characteristics of the atrium should be observed. Although arterial staining may require a larger amount of dye, the fluorescent signal in the sinoatrial node area tissue appears to be more stable by this loading method with a signal intensity decay time after coronary staining almost twice as long as that after surface staining. Once mastered, this technique can be completed in 30, 40 minutes if it's performed properly.While attempting this procedure, take care to locate atrial anatomy before making a cut to avoid damaging the atrial tissue and the sinus node. Following this procedure, other measures like conventional glass mitral electrode recordings can be performed to answer additional questions about commutative transmembrane potential characteristics. After its development, this technique paved the way for researchers in the field of intellect physiology to explore atrial arrhythmias including sinoatrial node dysfunction in the heart.After watching this video, you should have a good understanding of how to perform high resolution optical mapping of a mouse sinus node preparation.

high-resolution-optical-mapping-of-the-mouse-sino-atrial-node

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

High-resolution Measurement of Odor-Driven Behavior in Drosophila Larvae

Olfactory responses in Drosophila larvae have been traditionally studied in Petri dishes comprising a single peripheral odor source. In this behavioral paradigm, the experimenter usually assumes that the rapid diffusion of odorant molecules from the source leads to the creation of a stable gradient in the dish. To establish a quantitative correlation between sensory inputs and behavioral responses, it is necessary to achieve a more thorough characterization of the odorant stimulus conditions. In this video article, we describe a new method allowing the construction of odorant gradients with stable and controllable geometries. We briefly illustrate how these gradients can be used to screen for olfactory defects (full and partial anosmia) and to study more subtle features of chemotaxis behavior.

In this video article, we describe a new method allowing the construction of odorant gradients with stable and controllable geometries. We briefly illustrate how these gradients can be used to screen for olfactory defects (full and partial anosmia) and to study more subtle features of chemotaxis behavior.

Olfactory responses in Drosophila larvae have been traditionally studied in Petri dishes comprising a single peripheral odor source. In this behavioral ...

Proper Care and Cleaning of the Microscope

Keeping the microscope optics clean is important for high-quality imaging. Dust, fingerprints, excess immersion oil, or mounting medium on or in a microscope causes reduction in contrast and resolution. DIC is especially sensitive to contamination and scratches on the lens surfaces. This protocol details the procedure for keeping the microscope clean.

Keeping the microscope optics clean is important for high-quality imaging. Dust, fingerprints, excess immersion oil, or mounting medium on or in a microscope causes reduction in contrast and resolution. DIC is especially sensitive to contamination and scratches on the lens surfaces. This protocol details the procedure for keeping the microscope clean.

Keeping the microscope optics clean is important for high-quality imaging. Dust, fingerprints, excess immersion oil, or mounting medium on or in a ...

Major Components of the Light Microscope

The light microscope is a basic tool for the cell biologist, who should have a thorough understanding of how it works, how it should be aligned for different applications, and how it should be maintained as required to obtain maximum image-forming capacity and resolution. The components of the microscope are described in detail here.

The light microscope is a basic tool for the cell biologist, who should have a thorough understanding of how it works, how it should be aligned for different applications, and how it should be maintained as required to obtain maximum image-forming capacity and resolution. The components of the microscope are described in detail here.

The light microscope is a basic tool for the cell biologist, who should have a thorough understanding of how it works, how it should be aligned for ...

High-Resolution Video Tracking of Locomotion in Adult Drosophila Melanogaster

Flies provide an important model for studying complex behavior due to the plethora of genetic tools available to researchers in this field. Studying locomotor behavior in Drosophila melanogaster relies on the ability to be able to quantify changes in motion during or in response to a given task. For this reason, a high-resolution video tracking system, such as the one we describe in this paper, is a valuable tool for measuring locomotion in real-time. Our protocol involves the use of an initial air pulse to break the flies momentum, followed by a thirty second filming period in a square chamber. A tracking program is then used to calculate the instantaneous speed of each fly within the chamber in 10 msec increments. Analysis software then compiles this data, and outputs a variety of parameters such as average speed, max speed, time spent in motion, acceleration, etc. This protocol will discuss proper feeding and management of flies for behavioral tasks, handling flies without anesthetization or immobilization, setting up a controlled environment, and running the assay from start to finish.

The study of complex locomotor behavior in Drosophila melanogaster is dependent upon the ability to quantify changes in a given fly's movement. This article demonstrates how to do this using a high-resolution tracking system.

Flies provide an important model for studying complex behavior due to the plethora of genetic tools available to researchers in this field.  Studying ...

Optical Mapping of Langendorff-perfused Rat Hearts

Optical mapping of the cardiac surface with voltage-sensitive fluorescent dyes has become an important tool to investigate electrical excitation in experimental models that range in scale from cell cultures to whole-organs[1, 2]. Using state-of-the-art optical imaging systems, generation and propagation of action potentials during normal cardiac rhythm or throughout initiation and maintenance of arrhythmias can be visualized almost instantly[1]. The latest commercially-available systems can provide information at exceedingly high spatiotemporal resolutions and were based on custom-built equipment initially developed to overcome the obstacles imposed by more conventional electrophysiological methods[1]. Advancements in high-resolution and high-speed complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) cameras and intensely-bright, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as well as voltage-sensitive dyes, optics, and filters have begun to make electrical signal acquisition practical for cardiovascular cell biologists who are more accustomed to working with microscopes. Although the newest generation of CMOS cameras can acquire 10,000 frames per second on a 16,384 pixel array, depending on the type of sample preparation, long-established fluorescence acquisition technologies such as photodiode arrays, laser scanning systems, and cooled charged-coupled device (CCD) cameras still have some distinct advantages with respect to dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio, and quantum efficiency[1, 3]. In the present study, Lewis rat hearts were perfused ex vivo with a crystalloid perfusate (Krebs-Henseleit solution) at 37&deg;C on a modified Langendorff apparatus. After a 20 minute stabilization period, the hearts were intermittently perfused with 11 mMol/L 2,3-butanedione monoxime to eliminate contraction-associated motion during image acquisition. For optical mapping, we loaded hearts with the fast-response potentiometric probe di-8-ANEPPS[4] (5 &mu;Mol/L) and briefly illuminated the preparation with 475&plusmn;15 nm excitation light. During a typical 2 second period of illumination, &gt;605 nm light emitted from the cardiac preparation was imaged with a high-speed CMOS camera connected to a horizontal macroscope. For this demonstration, hearts were paced at 300 beats per minute with a coaxial electrode connected to an isolated electrical stimulation unit. Simultaneous bipolar electrographic recordings were acquired and analyzed along with the voltage signals using readily-available software. In this manner, action potentials on the surface of Langendorff-perfused rat hearts can be visualized and registered with electrographic signals.

This article describes a high temporal and spatial resolution technique to optically image action potential movement on the surface of Langendorff-perfused rat hearts using a potentiometric dye (di-8-ANEPPS).

Optical mapping of the cardiac surface with voltage-sensitive fluorescent dyes has become an important tool to investigate electrical excitation in ...

Generation of Mice Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

The production of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from somatic cells provides a means to create valuable tools for basic research and may also produce a source of patient-matched cells for regenerative therapies. iPSCs may be generated using multiple protocols and derived from multiple cell sources. Once generated, iPSCs are tested using a variety of assays including immunostaining for pluripotency markers, generation of three germ layers in embryoid bodies and teratomas, comparisons of gene expression with embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and production of chimeric mice with or without germline contribution2. Importantly, iPSC lines that pass these tests still vary in their capacity to produce different differentiated cell types2. This has made it difficult to establish which iPSC derivation protocols, donor cell sources or selection methods are most useful for different applications.
The most stringent test of whether a stem cell line has sufficient developmental potential to generate all tissues required for survival of an organism (termed full pluripotency) is tetraploid embryo complementation (TEC)3-5. Technically, TEC involves electrofusion of two-cell embryos to generate tetraploid (4n) one-cell embryos that can be cultured in vitro to the blastocyst stage6. Diploid (2n) pluripotent stem cells (e.g. ESCs or iPSCs) are then injected into the blastocoel cavity of the tetraploid blastocyst and transferred to a recipient female for gestation (see Figure 1). The tetraploid component of the complemented embryo contributes almost exclusively to the extraembryonic tissues (placenta, yolk sac), whereas the diploid cells constitute the embryo proper, resulting in a fetus derived entirely from the injected stem cell line.
Recently, we reported the derivation of iPSC lines that reproducibly generate adult mice via TEC1. These iPSC lines give rise to viable pups with efficiencies of 5-13%, which is comparable to ESCs3,4,7 and higher than that reported for most other iPSC lines8-12. These reports show that direct reprogramming can produce fully pluripotent iPSCs that match ESCs in their developmental potential and efficiency of generating pups in TEC tests. At present, it is not clear what distinguishes between fully pluripotent iPSCs and less potent lines13-15. Nor is it clear which reprogramming methods will produce these lines with the highest efficiency. Here we describe one method that produces fully pluripotent iPSCs and "all- iPSC" mice, which may be helpful for investigators wishing to compare the pluripotency of iPSC lines or establish the equivalence of different reprogramming methods.

Generating induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines produces lines of differing developmental potential even when they pass standard tests for pluripotency. Here we describe a protocol to produce mice derived entirely from iPSCs, which defines the iPSC lines as possessing full pluripotency1.

The production of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from somatic cells provides a means to create valuable tools for basic research and may also ...

Using High Resolution Computed Tomography to Visualize the Three Dimensional Structure and Function of Plant Vasculature

High resolution x-ray computed tomography (HRCT) is a non-destructive diagnostic imaging technique with sub-micron resolution capability that is now being used to evaluate the structure and function of plant xylem network in three dimensions (3D) (e.g. Brodersen et al. 2010; 2011; 2012a,b). HRCT imaging is based on the same principles as medical CT systems, but a high intensity synchrotron x-ray source results in higher spatial resolution and decreased image acquisition time. Here, we demonstrate in detail how synchrotron-based HRCT (performed at the Advanced Light Source-LBNL Berkeley, CA, USA) in combination with Avizo software (VSG Inc., Burlington, MA, USA) is being used to explore plant xylem in excised tissue and living plants. This new imaging tool allows users to move beyond traditional static, 2D light or electron micrographs and study samples using virtual serial sections in any plane. An infinite number of slices in any orientation can be made on the same sample, a feature that is physically impossible using traditional microscopy methods.
Results demonstrate that HRCT can be applied to both herbaceous and woody plant species, and a range of plant organs (i.e. leaves, petioles, stems, trunks, roots). Figures presented here help demonstrate both a range of representative plant vascular anatomy and the type of detail extracted from HRCT datasets, including scans for coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), walnut (Juglans spp.), oak (Quercus spp.), and maple (Acer spp.) tree saplings to sunflowers (Helianthus annuus), grapevines (Vitis spp.), and ferns (Pteridium aquilinum and Woodwardia fimbriata). Excised and dried samples from woody species are easiest to scan and typically yield the best images. However, recent improvements (i.e. more rapid scans and sample stabilization) have made it possible to use this visualization technique on green tissues (e.g. petioles) and in living plants. On occasion some shrinkage of hydrated green plant tissues will cause images to blur and methods to avoid these issues are described. These recent advances with HRCT provide promising new insights into plant vascular function.

High resolution x-ray computed tomography (HRCT) is a non-destructive diagnostic imaging technique that can be used to study the structure and function of plant vasculature in 3D. We demonstrate how HRCT facilitates exploration of xylem networks across a wide range of plant tissues and species.

High resolution x-ray computed tomography (HRCT) is a non-destructive diagnostic imaging technique with sub-micron resolution capability that is now being ...

Voltage and Calcium Dual Channel Optical Mapping of Cultured HL-1 Atrial Myocyte Monolayer

Optical mapping has proven to be a valuable technique to detect cardiac electrical activity on both intact ex vivo hearts and in cultured myocyte monolayers. HL-1 cells have been widely used as a 2-Dimensional cellular model for studying diverse aspects of cardiac physiology. However, it has been a great challenge to optically map calcium (Ca) transients and action potentials simultaneously from the same field of view in a cultured HL-1 atrial cell monolayer. This is because special handling and care is required to prepare healthy cells that can be electrically captured and optically mapped. Therefore, we have developed an optimal working protocol for dual channel optical mapping. In this manuscript, we have described in detail how to perform the dual channel optical mapping experiment. This protocol is a useful tool to enhance the understanding of action potential propagation and Ca kinetics in arrhythmia development.

This article describes the technique used to perform dual channel optical mapping in cultured HL-1 atrial cell monolayers. This unique protocol allows the simultaneous visualization of both calcium (Ca) and voltage (Vm) activity in the same area for the detailed detection and analysis of electrophysiological properties of culture monolayers.

Optical mapping has proven to be a valuable technique to detect cardiac electrical activity on both intact ex vivo hearts and in cultured myocyte ...

Optical Mapping of Intra-Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ and Transmembrane Potential in the Langendorff-perfused Rabbit Heart

Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ handling plays a key role in normal excitation-contraction coupling and aberrant SR Ca2+ handling is known to play a significant role in certain types of arrhythmia. Because arrhythmias are spatially distinct, emergent phenomena, they must be investigated at the tissue level. However, methods for directly probing SR Ca2+ in the intact heart remain limited. This article describes the protocol for dual optical mapping of transmembrane potential (Vm) and free intra-SR [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]SR) in the Langendorff-perfused rabbit heart. This approach takes advantage of the low-affinity Ca2+ indicator Fluo-5N, which has minimal fluorescence in the cytosol where intracellular [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i) is relatively low but exhibits significant fluorescence in the SR lumen where [Ca2+]SR is in the millimolar range. In addition to revealing SR Ca2+ characteristics spatially across the epicardial surface of the heart, this approach has the distinct advantage of simultaneous monitoring of Vm, allowing for investigations into the bidirectional relationship between Vm and SR Ca2+ and the role of SR Ca2+ in arrhythmogenic phenomena.

Optical Mapping of Intra-Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ and Transmembrane Potential in the Langendorff-perfused Rabbit Heart

This article describes the detailed protocol and equipment necessary for dual optical mapping of transmembrane potential (Vm) and free intra-sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ in the Langendorff-perfused rabbit heart. This method allows for direct observation and quantification of Vm and SR Ca2+ dynamics in the intact heart.

Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ handling plays a key role in normal excitation-contraction coupling and aberrant SR Ca2+ handling is known to play a ...

High-resolution Time-lapse Imaging and Automated Analysis of Microtubule Dynamics in Living Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

The physiological process by which new vasculature forms from existing vasculature requires specific signaling events that trigger morphological changes within individual endothelial cells (ECs). These processes are critical for homeostatic maintenance such as wound healing, and are also crucial in promoting tumor growth and metastasis. EC morphology is defined by the organization of the cytoskeleton, a tightly regulated system of actin and microtubule (MT) dynamics that is known to control EC branching, polarity and directional migration, essential components of angiogenesis. To study MT dynamics, we used high-resolution fluorescence microscopy coupled with computational image analysis of fluorescently-labeled MT plus-ends to investigate MT growth dynamics and the regulation of EC branching morphology and directional migration. Time-lapse imaging of living Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) was performed following transfection with fluorescently-labeled MT End Binding protein 3 (EB3) and Mitotic Centromere Associated Kinesin (MCAK)-specific cDNA constructs to evaluate effects on MT dynamics. PlusTipTracker software was used to track EB3-labeled MT plus ends in order to measure MT growth speeds and MT growth lifetimes in time-lapse images. This methodology allows for the study of MT dynamics and the identification of how localized regulation of MT dynamics within sub-cellular regions contributes to the angiogenic processes of EC branching and migration.

Protocols for Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell (HUVEC) culture, transient transfection of fluorescently-labeled markers of microtubule growth, live-cell imaging and automated analysis of interphase microtubule growth dynamics are detailed.

The physiological process by which new vasculature forms from existing vasculature requires specific signaling events that trigger morphological changes ...