1. Cardiomyocyte Isolation
Materials (Figure 1)
Microdissecting forceps 
Tissue forceps 
Delicate hemostatic forceps 
Hemostatic forceps 
Microdissecting, serrated, curved forceps 
Operating scissors, straight 
Operating scissors, curved 
15 ml Falcon tubes (5) 
60 mm Petri dish 
Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) 
Nylon Mesh - 400 &#956;m pore size 
Small funnel 
Wax coated, braided silk 4-0, 1...

<ol>
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Z. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Rapamycin+and+mTOR+kinase+inhibitors.">Rapamycin and mTOR kinase inhibitors.</a> J. Chem. Biol. 1, 27-36 (2008).</li><li>Brette, F., Orchard, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=T-Tubule+Function+in+Mammalian+Cardiac+Myocytes.">T-Tubule Function in Mammalian Cardiac Myocytes.</a> Circ Res. , (2003).</li><li>Sakata, Y., Hoit, B., Liggett, S., Walsh, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Decompensation+of+pressure-overload+hypertrophy+in+G?q-overexpressing+mice.">Decompensation of pressure-overload hypertrophy in G?q-overexpressing mice.</a> Circulation. , (1998).</li><li>Lieu, D. K., 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=Absence+of+Transverse+Tubules+Contributes+to+Non-Uniform+Ca+2+Wavefronts+in+Mouse+and+Human+Embryonic+Stem+Cell-Derived+Cardiomyocytes.">Absence of Transverse Tubules Contributes to Non-Uniform Ca 2+Wavefronts in Mouse and Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes.</a> Stem Cells and Development. 18, 1493-1500 (2009).</li><li>Lim, H., De Windt, L., Mante, J., Kimball, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Reversal+of+cardiac+hypertrophy+in+transgenic+disease+models+by+calcineurin+inhibition.">Reversal of cardiac hypertrophy in transgenic disease models by calcineurin inhibition.</a> J. Mol. Cell Cardiol. 32 (4), 697-709 (2000).</li><li>Muthuchamy, 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=Mouse+model+of+a+familial+hypertrophic+cardiomyopathy+mutation+in+alpha-tropomyosin+manifests+cardiac+dysfunction.">Mouse model of a familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutation in alpha-tropomyosin manifests cardiac dysfunction.</a> Circ. Res. 85, 47-56 (1999).</li><li>M&#252;ller, J. 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=Differential+regulation+of+the+cardiac+sodium+calcium+exchanger+promoter+in+adult+and+neonatal+cardiomyocytes+by+Nkx2.5+and+serum+response+factor.">Differential regulation of the cardiac sodium calcium exchanger promoter in adult and neonatal cardiomyocytes by Nkx2.5 and serum response factor.</a> J. Mol. Cell. Cardiol. 34, 807-821 (2002).</li><li>Epstein, F., Hunter, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Signaling+pathways+for+cardiac+hypertrophy+and+failure.">Signaling pathways for cardiac hypertrophy and failure.</a> New England Journal of Medicine. 341 (17), 1276-1283 (1999).</li><li>Snopko, R., Aromolaran, A., Karko, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cell+culture+modifies+Ca+2++signaling+during+excitation-contraction+coupling+in+neonate+cardiac+myocytes.">Cell culture modifies Ca 2+ signaling during excitation-contraction coupling in neonate cardiac myocytes.</a> Cell Calcium. , (2007).</li><li>Ranu, H., Terracciano, C., Davia, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effects+of+Na+/Ca2+-exchanger+overexpression+on+excitation-contraction+coupling+in+adult+rabbit+ventricular+myocytes.">Effects of Na+/Ca2+-exchanger overexpression on excitation-contraction coupling in adult rabbit ventricular myocytes.</a> J. Mol. Cell Cardiol. 34 (4), 389-400 (2002).</li><li>Kaab, S., Nuss, H. B., Chiamvimonvat, N., O'Rourke, B., Pak, P. H., Kass, D. A., Marban, E., Tomaselli, G. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ionic+mechanism+of+action+potential+prolongation+in+ventricular+myocytes+from+dogs+with+pacing-induced+heart+failure.">Ionic mechanism of action potential prolongation in ventricular myocytes from dogs with pacing-induced heart failure.</a> Circ. Res. 78 (2), (1996).</li><li>Splawski, I., 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=Variant+of+SCN5A+sodium+channel+implicated+in+risk+of+cardiac+arrhythmia.">Variant of SCN5A sodium channel implicated in risk of cardiac arrhythmia.</a> Science. 297, 1333-1336 (2002).</li><li>Zhou, Y., Wang, S., Zhu, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Culture+and+adenoviral+infection+of+adult+mouse+cardiac+myocytes:+methods+for+cellular+genetic+physiology.">Culture and adenoviral infection of adult mouse cardiac myocytes: methods for cellular genetic physiology.</a> Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol. 279 (1), 429-436 (2000).</li><li>Sussman, M., Lim, H., Gude, N., Taigen, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Prevention+of+cardiac+hypertrophy+in+mice+by+calcineurin+inhibition.">Prevention of cardiac hypertrophy in mice by calcineurin inhibition.</a> Science. , (1998).</li><li>Heinzel, F. 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=Impairment+of+diazoxide-induced+formation+of+reactive+oxygen+species+and+loss+of+cardioprotection+in+connexin+43+deficient+mice.">Impairment of diazoxide-induced formation of reactive oxygen species and loss of cardioprotection in connexin 43 deficient mice.</a> Circ. Res. 97, 583-586 (2005).</li><li>Li, X., Heinzel, F. R., Boengler, K., Schulz, R., Heusch, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Role+of+connexin+43+in+ischemic+preconditioning+does+not+involve+intercellular+communication+through+gap+junctions.">Role of connexin 43 in ischemic preconditioning does not involve intercellular communication through gap junctions.</a> J. Mol. Cell. Cardiol. 36, 161-163 (2004).</li><li>Rockman, H. A., Ross, R. S., Harris, A. N., Knowlton, K. U., Steinhelper, M. E., Field, L. J., Ross, J., Chein, K. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Segregation+of+atrial-specific+and+inducible+expression+of+an+atrial+natriuretic+factor+transgene+in+an+in+vivo+murine+model+of+cardiac+hypertrophy.">Segregation of atrial-specific and inducible expression of an atrial natriuretic factor transgene in an in vivo murine model of cardiac hypertrophy.</a> Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 88, 8277-8281 (1991).</li><li>Nakamura, A., Rokosh, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=LV+systolic+performance+improves+with+development+of+hypertrophy+after+transverse+aortic+constriction+in+mice.">LV systolic performance improves with development of hypertrophy after transverse aortic constriction in mice.</a> Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol. 281 (3), 1104-1112 (2001).</li><li>Bostr&#246;m, P., 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=A+PGC1-?-dependent+myokine+that+drives+brown-fat-like+development+of+white+fat+and+thermogenesis.">A PGC1-?-dependent myokine that drives brown-fat-like development of white fat and thermogenesis.</a> Nature. 481, 463-468 (2012).</li><li>Liao, R., Jain, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Isolation,+culture,+and+functional+analysis+of+adult+mouse+cardiomyocytes.">Isolation, culture, and functional analysis of adult mouse cardiomyocytes.</a> Methods Mol. Med. 139, 251-262 (2007).</li><li>Volz, A., Piper, H. M., Siegmund, B., Schwartz, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Longevity+of+adult+ventricular+rat+heart+muscle+cells+in+serum-free+primary+culture.">Longevity of adult ventricular rat heart muscle cells in serum-free primary culture.</a> J. Mol. Cell. Cardiol. 23, 161-173 (1991).</li><li>Guatimosim, S., Guatimosim, C., Song, L. -. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Methods in Molecular Biology. 689, 205-214 (2010).</li><li>Yang, J., Delaloye, K., Lee, U. S., Cui, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Patch+Clamp+and+Perfusion+Techniques+for+Studying+Ion+Channels+Expressed+in+Xenopus+oocytes.">Patch Clamp and Perfusion Techniques for Studying Ion Channels Expressed in Xenopus oocytes.</a> J. Vis. Exp. (47), e2269 (2011).</li><li>Brown, A. L., Johnson, B. E., Goodman, M. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Patch+Clamp+Recording+of+Ion+Channels+Expressed+in+Xenopus+Oocytes.">Patch Clamp Recording of Ion Channels Expressed in Xenopus Oocytes.</a> J. Vis. Exp. (20), e936 (2008).</li><li>Arman, A. C., Sampath, A. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Patch+Clamp+Recordings+from+Mouse+Retinal+Neurons+in+a+Dark-adapted+Slice+Preparation.">Patch Clamp Recordings from Mouse Retinal Neurons in a Dark-adapted Slice Preparation.</a> J. Vis. Exp. (43), e2107 (2010).</li><li>Wen, H., Brehm, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Paired+patch+clamp+recordings+from+motor-neuron+and+target+skeletal+muscle+in+zebrafish.">Paired patch clamp recordings from motor-neuron and target skeletal muscle in zebrafish.</a> J. Vis. Exp. (45), e2351 (2010).</li><li>Maier, S., Westenbroek, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+unexpected+role+for+brain-type+sodium+channels+in+coupling+of+cell+surface+depolarization+to+contraction+in+the+heart.">An unexpected role for brain-type sodium channels in coupling of cell surface depolarization to contraction in the heart.</a> Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 99 (6), 4073-4078 (2002).</li><li>Shroff, S. G., Saner, D. R., Lal, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Dynamic+micromechanical+properties+of+cultured+rat+atrial+myocytes+measured+by+atomic+force+microscopy.">Dynamic micromechanical properties of cultured rat atrial myocytes measured by atomic force microscopy.</a> Am. J. Physiol. 269, 286-292 (1995).</li><li>Domke, J., Parak, W. J., George, M., Gaub, H. 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The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests.

In this report, we have described the techniques necessary for successful isolation and culture of adult CMs from the mouse heart. Our technique allows for subsequent study of CM function and excitability using the methods described above. The critical parameter for studying functionality of adult CMs is the health and quality of the isolated CMs. As described above, our techniques allow for a high yield of functional cells that are amenable to manipulation of gene expression using adenoviral/lentiviral infections in ...

Murine models of cardiovascular disease have served as effective tools for elucidating fundamental disease mechanisms1,2 as well as for identifying potential therapeutic targets1,3. In particular, the use of both murine models of acquired heart disease (such as pressure-overload)4,5 and transgenic mouse models have advanced our understanding of heart disease6-8. The use of cell culture techniques to study signaling cascades3,9,10 and alterations in individual proteins that underlie cellular excitability and excitation-contraction coupling in the heart11-13 at the level of the single cell have complemented the in vivo mouse models. However, the lack of adequate cell lines that reflect adult CM structure and function has been a significant limitation. Investigators have sought to overcome this by studying individual proteins, such as ion channels, in heterologous expression systems14, and while these studies have provided us with useful information in terms of ion channel biophysics or protein trafficking, inadequate representation of the native microenvironment of CMs is a significant limitation. Secondly, since most of these heterologous cells do not have a mature contractile apparatus, it has not been possible to study contractile function and the complex interplay between cellular excitability and contraction. For this reason, researchers have turned to primary cardiac cell cultures for many of their in vitro functional studies. Finally, isolated cardiomyocyte studies allow assessment of contractile function without the confounding factors of multicellular preparation including the effect of scar or fibrosis and fiber orientation.
Primary neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVMs) are relatively easy to culture, can be infected with adenoviruses and lentiviruses to manipulate gene expression15, and have therefore been used successfully1, but have limitations of their own. Although they provide a physiologic microenvironment1 and have been the workhorse of the signaling field, substantial differences between the morphology and subcellular organization of NRVMs and adult cardiomyoctyes make them an inadequate model for the investigation of ionic fluxes and excitation-contraction coupling in the adult heart. Most notably NRVMs lack a definitive t-tubular subsystem4. Since Ca2+ flux and dynamics are critically dependent on mature t-tubular and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) structure6, Ca2+ dynamics and functional studies of the cardiac contractility in NRVMs are not an accurate reflection of these critical processes in adult cardiomyocytes. Further, some components of signaling pathways differ between neonatal and adult mice9, thereby providing another limitation for studying disease processes and their impact on cellular excitability and contractility in NRVMs. Finally, the distribution of the contractile machinery leads to multidirectional and non-uniform cell shortening limiting the accuracy of the contractile measurements.
The use of isolated adult cardiomyocytes provides therefore a more accurate in vitro modeling system. The extraordinary growth of knowledge made possible by the genetic manipulation of mice underlines the significance of obtaining functional isolated cardiomyocytes from mice. In fact, the characterization of adult CMs isolated from mouse models has shed light on many biological and pathological events. Isolated CMs from transgenic mouse models have allowed for studies of the gain or loss of function of proteins on the contractile properties of single cells2,16, and viability in disease models such as ischemia/reperfusion17,18, thereby complementing information gained from in vivo studies on these mice. Use of isolated adult CMs from murine models of acquired heart disease3,19,20 (such as transverse aortic constriction-induced pressure overload, that mimics hypertension or aortic valve stenosis) or exercise5,21 (for modeling physiological hypertrophy) allows for examination of the interaction of signaling cascades implicated in these processes with cellular excitability and excitation-contraction coupling at the level of the single cell. Furthermore, the ability to manipulate gene expression using adenoviral-driven gene expression in adult CMs affords us the opportunity to dissect the components of complex signaling pathways. 
From an electrophysiological perspective, whole-cell voltage and current clamp experiments on isolated adult CMs have been critical in elucidating the nature of ionic fluxes at baseline and in various disease states. Because of the complex structure of the cellular membrane and the differential protein scaffolding structures between adult CMs and NRVMs or heterologous cell lines, the ability to patch adult cells gives a much better representation of the effects of certain membrane proteins, structural proteins, and ion channel interacting partners on the electrophysiological components of the adult heart. 
Despite such prominent advantages in studying adult murine cardiomyocytes, isolating and culturing adult mice cardiomyocytes has been challenging, urging the need for a systematic and accurate description of the methodology to isolate viable mouse cardiomyocytes and to maintain them in culture to allow further genetic manipulation using viral vectors. Previous studies have used either acutely isolated mouse adult CMs or cultured rat adult CMs. The latter are easier to culture than adult mouse CMs, and most experiments manipulating gene expression in vitro have used rat adult CMs. Few studies have successfully altered and investigated functional gene expression in mouse adult CMs, presenting a large limitation in the scope of experiments. Therefore, here we present in detail such methodologies, modified from previous investigations, for the isolation7,8,22, culture3,10,15,23, adenoviral infection11-13,15, and functional analysis of adult mouse ventricular cardiomyoctyes. This isolation protocol results in Ca2+-tolerant, excitable cardiomyocytes that we have successfully cultured for up to 72 hr and transiently transfected with adenovirus. The functionality of these isolated cells can be assessed using the MMSYS imaging system14,24 and patch clamp, which will also be discussed.

<table border="1">
<tbody>
 <tr>
 <td>Name of 			Reagent/Material</td>
 <td>Company</td>
 <td>Catalog Number</td>
 <td>Comments</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Sodium Chloride</td>
 <td>Sigma</td>
 <td>S7653</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Potassium Chloride</td>
 <td>Sigma</td>
 <td>P9333</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Magnesium Chloride</td>
 <td>Sigma</td>
 <td>M8266</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>HEPES</td>
 <td>Sigma</td>
 <td>H3375</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Sodium Phosphate 			Monobasic</td>
 <td>Sigma</td>
 <td>S8282</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>D-glucose minimum</td>
 <td>Sigma</td>
 <td>G8270</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Taurine</td>
 <td>Sigma</td>
 <td>T0625</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>2,3-Butanedione 			monoxime</td>
 <td>Sigma</td>
 <td>B0752</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Collagenase B</td>
 <td>Roche Applied 			Science</td>
 <td>11088807001 </td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Collagenase D</td>
 <td>Roche Applied 			Science</td>
 <td>11088858001 </td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Protease 			XIV from Streptomyces griseus</td>
 <td>Sigma</td>
 <td>P5147</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Albumin from Bovine 			Serum</td>
 <td>Sigma</td>
 <td>A2153</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Calcium Chloride</td>
 <td>Sigma</td>
 <td>C8106</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Minimum Essential 			Media</td>
 <td>Sigma</td>
 <td>51411C</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Albumin solution 			from bovine serum</td>
 <td>Sigma</td>
 <td>A8412</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>L-glutamine</td>
 <td>Sigma</td>
 <td>G3126</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Penicillin-Streptomycin</td>
 <td>Sigma</td>
 <td>P4333</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Insulin-transferrin-sodium 			selenite media supplement</td>
 <td>Sigma</td>
 <td>I1884</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Cesium Chloride</td>
 <td>Sigma</td>
 <td><a href="http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/catalog/product/sial/289329?lang=en&amp;region=US" target="_blank">289329</a></td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Glutamate</td>
 <td>Sigma</td>
 <td>G3291</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Adenosine 			5'-triphosphate magnesium salt</td>
 <td>Sigma</td>
 <td>A9187</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Ethylene 			glycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic 			acid</td>
 <td>Sigma</td>
 <td>E3889</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Cesium Hydroxide 			Solution</td>
 <td>Sigma</td>
 <td>232041</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Tetraethylammonium 			hydroxide solution</td>
 <td>Sigma</td>
 <td>86643</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>OptiVisor optical 			glass binocular 			visor</td>
 <td>Dohegan Optical 			Company Inc.</td>
 <td>N/A</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Tissue 			forceps, 5.5", 1x2 teeth</td>
 <td>Roboz Scientific</td>
 <td>RS-8164</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Moloney 			forceps - 4.5" (11.5 cm) long slight curve, serrated </td>
 <td>Roboz Scientific</td>
 <td>RS-8254</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Dumont 			#3 Forceps, Dumostar, tip size 0.17 x 0.10mm</td>
 <td>Roboz Scientific</td>
 <td>RS-4966</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Packer 			Mosquito Forceps 5" Straight Flat</td>
 <td>Roboz Scientific</td>
 <td>RS-7114</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Micro 			Dissecting Scissors 4.5" Curved Sharp/Sharp </td>
 <td>Roboz Scientific</td>
 <td>RS-5917</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Micro Dissecting Scissors 3.5" Straight Sharp/Sharp20mm</td>
 <td>Roboz Scientific</td>
 <td>RS-5907</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

isolation, culture, and functional characterization of adult mouse cardiomyoctyes

The use of primary cardiomyocytes (CMs) in culture has provided a powerful complement to murine models of heart disease in advancing our understanding of heart disease. In particular, the ability to study ion homeostasis, ion channel function, cellular excitability and excitation-contraction coupling and their alterations in diseased conditions and by disease-causing mutations have led to significant insights into cardiac diseases. Furthermore, the lack of an adequate immortalized cell line to mimic adult CMs, and the limitations of neonatal CMs (which lack many of the structural and functional biomechanics characteristic of adult CMs) in culture have hampered our understanding of the complex interplay between signaling pathways, ion channels and contractile properties in the adult heart strengthening the importance of studying adult isolated cardiomyocytes. Here, we present methods for the isolation, culture, manipulation of gene expression by adenoviral-expressed proteins, and subsequent functional analysis of cardiomyocytes from the adult mouse. The use of these techniques will help to develop mechanistic insight into signaling pathways that regulate cellular excitability, Ca2+ dynamics and contractility and provide a much more physiologically relevant characterization of cardiovascular disease.

The isolation of adult cardiomyoctyes results in rod-shaped, striated, and quiescent (not spontaneously beating) cells (Figure 5A). Dead cells will look rounded and no striations will be present. Quiescent cells can be cultured and transfected with adenovirus to manipulate gene expression (Figures 5B and 5C). After 24 hr of culture, the morphology of the live cells does not change, they are still Ca2+-tolerant, and they can be paced by field stimulation. With ...

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Isolation, Culture, and Functional Characterization of Adult Mouse Cardiomyoctyes

Here we describe the isolation of adult mouse cardiomyoctyes using a Langendorff perfusion system. The resulting cells are Ca2+-tolerant, electrically quiescent and can be cultured and transfected with adeno- or lentiviruses to manipulate gene expression. Their functionality can also be analyzed using the MMSYS system and patch clamp techniques.

The use of primary cardiomyocytes (CMs) in culture has provided a powerful complement to murine models of heart disease in advancing our understanding of ...

isolation-culture-functional-characterization-adult-mouse

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

24.1K Views.  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School.  Qui si descrive l'isolamento di cardiomyoctyes adulte di topo mediante un sistema di perfusione Langendorff. Le cellule risultanti sono Ca2 +-tolerant, elettricamente quiescente e può essere colta e trasfettate con-adeno o lentivirus per manipolare l'espressione genica. La loro funzionalità può anche essere analizzato con il sistema MMSYS e tecniche di patch clamp. 