Name: isolation of atrial cardiomyocytes from a rat model of metabolic syndrome-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Uploaded: 2018-07-26T14:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Isolation of Atrial Cardiomyocytes from a Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome-related Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction at JoVE.com

This research was supported by the DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, D.B.), the EKFS (Else-Kr&#246;ner-Fresenius Stiftung, F.H.), and by the BMBF (German Ministry of Education and Research), as well as the BIH-Charit&#233; clinical scientist program funded by the Charit&#233; - Universit&#228;tsmedizin Berlin and the Berlin Institute of Health (F.H.).

All experiments were approved by the local Ethics Committee (TVA T0060/15 and T0003-15) and performed in agreement with the Guidelines for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (National Institute of Health, U.S.A.).
NOTE: A simplified flowchart of the procedure is shown in Figure 1.
1. Prearrangements
<ol>
	<li>Prepare the buffers according to Table 1.</li>
</ol>
<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo...

<ol>
	<li>Alberti, K. 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=Harmonizing+the+metabolic+syndrome:+a+joint+interim+statement+of+the+International+Diabetes+Federation+Task+Force+on+Epidemiology+and+Prevention;+National+Heart,+Lung,+and+Blood+Institute;+American+Heart+Association;+World+Heart+Federation;+International+Atherosclerosis+Society;+and+International+Association+for+the+Study+of+Obesity.">Harmonizing the metabolic syndrome: a joint interim statement of the International Diabetes Federation Task Force on Epidemiology and Prevention; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; American Heart Association; World Heart Federation; International Atherosclerosis Society; and International Association for the Study of Obesity.</a> Circulation. 120 (16), 1640-1645 (2009).</li><li>. IDF Consensus Worldwide Definition of the Metabolic Syndrome Available from: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.idf.org/e-library/consensus-statements/60-idfconsensus-worldwide-definitionof-the-metabolic-syndrome.html">https://www.idf.org/e-library/consensus-statements/60-idfconsensus-worldwide-definitionof-the-metabolic-syndrome.html</a> (2006)</li><li>Melenovsky, 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=Left+atrial+remodeling+and+function+in+advanced+heart+failure+with+preserved+or+reduced+ejection+fraction.">Left atrial remodeling and function in advanced heart failure with preserved or reduced ejection fraction.</a> Circulation: Heart Failure. 8 (2), 295-303 (2015).</li><li>Goette, A., 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=EHRA/HRS/APHRS/SOLAECE+expert+consensus+on+atrial+cardiomyopathies:+definition,+characterization,+and+clinical+implication.">EHRA/HRS/APHRS/SOLAECE expert consensus on atrial cardiomyopathies: definition, characterization, and clinical implication.</a> EP Europace. 18 (10), 1455-1490 (2016).</li><li>Schotten, U., Verheule, S., Kirchhof, P., Goette, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pathophysiological+mechanisms+of+atrial+fibrillation:+a+translational+appraisal.">Pathophysiological mechanisms of atrial fibrillation: a translational appraisal.</a> Physiological Reviews. 91 (1), 265-325 (2011).</li><li>Hohendanner, F., DeSantiago, J., Heinzel, F. 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A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Dyssynchronous+calcium+removal+in+heart+failure-induced+atrial+remodeling.">Dyssynchronous calcium removal in heart failure-induced atrial remodeling.</a> American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology. 311 (6), H1352-H1359 (2016).</li><li>Hohendanner, F., 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=Inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate+induced+Ca2++release+and+excitation-contraction+coupling+in+atrial+myocytes+from+normal+and+failing+hearts.">Inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate induced Ca2+ release and excitation-contraction coupling in atrial myocytes from normal and failing hearts.</a> The Journal of Physiology. 593 (6), 1459-1477 (2015).</li><li>Tada, Y., 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=Role+of+mineralocorticoid+receptor+on+experimental+cerebral+aneurysms+in+rats.">Role of mineralocorticoid receptor on experimental cerebral aneurysms in rats.</a> Hypertension. 54 (3), 552-557 (2009).</li><li>Iwasaki, Y. 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R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Isolation+and+physiological+analysis+of+mouse+cardiomyocytes.">Isolation and physiological analysis of mouse cardiomyocytes.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (91), e51109 (2014).</li><li>Thum, T., Borlak, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Isolation+and+cultivation+of+Ca2++tolerant+cardiomyocytes+from+the+adult+rat:+improvements+and+applications.">Isolation and cultivation of Ca2+ tolerant cardiomyocytes from the adult rat: improvements and applications.</a> Xenobiotica. 30 (11), 1063-1077 (2000).</li><li>Egorova, M. V., Afanas'ev, S. A., Popov, S. V. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+simple+method+for+isolation+of+cardiomyocytes+from+adult+rat+heart.">A simple method for isolation of cardiomyocytes from adult rat heart.</a> Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 140 (3), 370-373 (2005).</li><li>Kohncke, C., 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=Isolation+and+Kv+channel+recordings+in+murine+atrial+and+ventricular+cardiomyocytes.">Isolation and Kv channel recordings in murine atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (73), e50145 (2013).</li><li>Wagner, E., Brandenburg, S., Kohl, T., Lehnart, S. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Analysis+of+tubular+membrane+networks+in+cardiac+myocytes+from+atria+and+ventricles.">Analysis of tubular membrane networks in cardiac myocytes from atria and ventricles.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (92), e51823 (2014).</li><li>Hohendanner, F., 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=Cellular+mechanisms+of+metabolic+syndrome-related+atrial+decompensation+in+a+rat+model+of+HFpEF.">Cellular mechanisms of metabolic syndrome-related atrial decompensation in a rat model of HFpEF.</a> Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology. 115, 10-19 (2017).</li><li>Seluanov, A., Vaidya, A., Gorbunova, V. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Establishing+primary+adult+fibroblast+cultures+from+rodents.">Establishing primary adult fibroblast cultures from rodents.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (44), e2033 (2010).</li><li>Bootman, M. D., Higazi, D. R., Coombes, S., Roderick, H. 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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=Diastolic+dysfunction+and+left+atrial+volume:+a+population-based+study.">Diastolic dysfunction and left atrial volume: a population-based study.</a> Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 45 (1), 87-92 (2005).</li><li>Linz, 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=Cathepsin+A+mediates+susceptibility+to+atrial+tachyarrhythmia+and+impairment+of+atrial+emptying+function+in+Zucker+diabetic+fatty+rats.">Cathepsin A mediates susceptibility to atrial tachyarrhythmia and impairment of atrial emptying function in Zucker diabetic fatty rats.</a> Cardiovascular Research. 110 (3), 371-380 (2016).</li><li>Ackers-Johnson, 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=A+Simplified,+Langendorff-Free+Method+for+Concomitant+Isolation+of+Viable+Cardiac+Myocytes+and+Nonmyocytes+From+the+Adult+Mouse+Heart.">A Simplified, Langendorff-Free Method for Concomitant Isolation of Viable Cardiac Myocytes and Nonmyocytes From the Adult Mouse Heart.</a> Circulation Research. 119 (8), 909-920 (2016).</li><li>Ramanathan, T., Skinner, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Coronary+blood+flow.">Coronary blood flow.</a> Continuing Education in Anaesthesia Critical Care &amp; Pain. 5 (2), 61-64 (2005).</li><li>Bond, M. 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G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=[On+the+Quantitative+Determination+of+Collagenase].">[On the Quantitative Determination of Collagenase].</a> Hoppe-Seyler's Zeitschrift f&#252;r physiologische Chemie. 333, 149-151 (1963).</li><li>Conceicao, G., Heinonen, I., Lourenco, A. P., Duncker, D. 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Here, we first described a protocol for the isolation of single-cell ACMs from a rat model of MetS-related HFpEF that shows marked atrial remodeling22. The procedure is uniquely challenging as excessive fatty tissue can make the surgical preparation, as well as the cannulation of the aorta, increasingly difficult. The troubleshooting guide provided in Table 2 addresses the most common issues of the isolation procedure.
<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep...

MetS describes a cluster of risk factors for diabetes mellitus type-2 and cardiovascular disease and includes an increased arterial blood pressure, dyslipidemia (raised triglycerides and lowered high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), increased fasting glucose, and central obesity1. The worldwide prevalence of MetS is estimated to be 25&#8211;30% and constantly rising2. HFpEF is a heterogenous clinical syndrome often associated with MetS. The cardiac remodeling during HFpEF and its preceding phases (i.e., hypertensive heart disease) is also accompanied by a remodeling of the atria3. Reduced contractile function and structural changes of the left atrium have been associated with increased mortality, atrial fibrillation, and new-onset heart failure4. Atrial remodeling is characterized by changes in the ion channel function, Ca2+ homeostasis, atrial structure, fibroblast activation, and tissue fibrosis5. Left atrial remodeling in MetS-related HFpEF and its underlying pathological mechanisms are still poorly understood and require a further in-depth investigation. Animal models have proven to be a valuable tool and lead to many advances in the field of atrial cardiomyopathies6,7,8,9.
Studies with isolated single-cell cardiomyocytes are frequently used to corroborate and complement in vivo findings. An isolation, and the potential subsequent cell culture, allow for the investigation of signaling pathways, ionic channel currents, and excitation-contraction-coupling. Under physiologic conditions, cardiomyocytes do not proliferate. The fusion between the transcriptional regulatory sequences of an atrial natriuretic factor and a simian virus 40 large T antigen in transgenic mice led to the creation of the first immortalized ACMs, named AT-110. The further development of AT-1 cells gave rise to HL-1 cells, which cannot only be serially passaged but also contract spontaneously11. They do, however, show structural and functional differences compared to freshly isolated cells, such as a less organized ultrastructure, a high occurrence of developing myofibrils11, and a hyperpolarization-activated inward current12. The isolation of ventricular cardiomyocytes (VCM) in rats and mice from a variety of models is well established13,14,15,16,17,18,19. Generally, the excised heart is mounted to a Langendorff apparatus and retrogradely perfused with a Ca2+-free buffer containing digestive enzymes, such as collagenases and proteases. Calcium is then reintroduced in a stepwise manner to the physiological conditions. However, even though protocols dedicated to the isolation of ACMs are available20,21, due to increased fibrosis and pressure-related differences, their usefulness in disease models with atrial remodeling is limited.
In this article, we have implemented a protocol for the isolation of atrial single-cell cardiomyocytes from animals that show atrial remodeling (i.e., in particular for the ZFS1 rat model for MetS-related HFpEF)22. Existing isolation protocols were optimized and complemented by a simple, custom-made device to control and modify the intraluminal pressure of the cardiac cavities, leading to higher yields of morphologically and functionally intact cardiomyocytes. The following protocol provides the researcher with a step-by-step guide, a detailed description of the custom-made equipment, a list of solutions, as well as a comprehensive troubleshooting guide.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="935">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">ZSF-1 Obese rat</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Charles River Laboratories, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;"></td>
			<td style="width:227px;">21 weeks old</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Fine Iris Scissors</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Fine Science Tools GmbH</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">14094-11</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Surgical Scissors</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Fine Science Tools GmbH</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">14001-18</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Micro Dressing Forceps (curved, serrated)</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Aesculap, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">BD312R</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Tissue Forceps (straight, 1 x 2 teeth)</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Aesculap, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">BD537R</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Tying Forceps (angled)</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Aesculap, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">MA624R</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Rodent and Small Animal Guillotine</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Kent Scientific Corp.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">DCAP</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Low Cost Induction Chamber 3.0 L</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Kent Scientific Corp.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">SOMNO-0730&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Butterfly Winged Infusion Set 21 G</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Hospira, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">181106101</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Abbocath 16 G</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Hospira, Inc.</td>
			<td>0G7149702</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Microlance Hypodermic Needle</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Becton Dickinson GmbH</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">301300</td>
			<td>modify needle to make cannula</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Braun Original Perfusor Syringe 50 ml</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">B. Braun Melsungen AG</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">8728810F</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Braun Inject Solo Syringe 10 ml</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">B. Braun Melsungen AG</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">2057926</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Beaker 50ml</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Duran Group (DWK Life Sciences GmbH)</td>
			<td>21 106 17</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Duroplan petri dish (100 x 20 mm)</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Duran Group (DWK Life Sciences GmbH)</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">21 755 48</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Seraflex Suture USP 3/0</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">SERAG-WIESSNER GmbH &#38; Co. KG</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">IC208000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">VWR disposable Square Weighin Boats 100ml</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">VWR, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">10803-148</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Styrofoam surface</td>
			<td style="width:292px;"></td>
			<td style="width:136px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Sodium chloride</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Sigma-Aldrich, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">71380</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Potassium chloride</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Sigma-Aldrich, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">P4504</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Potassium phosphate monobasic</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Sigma-Aldrich, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">P5379</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Sodium phosphate dibasic</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Sigma-Aldrich, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">S0876</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Magensium sulfate heptahydrate</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Sigma-Aldrich, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">230391</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Magensium chloride</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Sigma-Aldrich, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">M8266</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">HEPES</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Sigma-Aldrich, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">H3375</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Taurine</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Sigma-Aldrich, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">T0625</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Glucose</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Sigma-Aldrich, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">G7528</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">2,3-Butanedione monoxime</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Sigma-Aldrich, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">B0753</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Calcium chloride solution (1 M)</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Sigma-Aldrich, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">21115</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Bovine Serum Albumin</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Sigma-Aldrich, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">A9647</td>
			<td style="width:227px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Liberase</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Roche (Sigma-Aldrich, Inc.)</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">LIBTM-RO</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Heparin</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Rotexmedica GmbH</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">3862357</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Forene (Isoflurane)</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Abbvie Deutschland GmbH &#38; Co. KG</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">10182054</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Laminin from Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm murine sarcoma basement membrane</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Sigma-Aldrich, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">L2020</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">WillCo glass-bottom dish 500&#181;l 0.005mm</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">WillCo Wells B.V.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">HBST-3522</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Fluo4 AM</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Invitrogen (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.)</td>
			<td>F14201</td>
			<td>5&#181;M for 20min at RT</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Di-8-ANNEPS</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Invitrogen (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.)</td>
			<td>D3167</td>
			<td>10&#181;M for 45 min at 37&#176; C&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Mitotracker RED FM</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Invitrogen (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.)</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">M22425</td>
			<td>20nM for 30 min at 37&#176; C</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Jacketed reaction vessel 500 ml</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Gebr. Rettberg GmbH</td>
			<td>107024414</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Jacketed reaction vessel 1000 ml</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Gebr. Rettberg GmbH</td>
			<td>107025414</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Jacketed bubble trap</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Gebr. Rettberg GmbH</td>
			<td>134720001</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">ED heating immersion circulator</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Julabo GmbH</td>
			<td>9116000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Reglo Digital MS-2/6 peristaltic pump</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Ismatec (Cole-Parmer Gmbh)</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">ISM 831</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Voltcraft Thermometer 302 K/J</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Conrad Electronic SE</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">030300546</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Tubing</td>
			<td style="width:292px;"></td>
			<td style="width:136px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">LSM 700 microscope</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Carl Zeiss, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">ZEN 2.3 imaging software</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Carl Zeiss, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">410135-1011-240&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">Single channel heater controller TC-324B</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Warner Instruments, LLC</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">64-2400</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">8 channel perfusion system</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Warner Instruments, LLC</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">64-0185</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:281px;">8 channel Multi-Line In-Line Solution Heaters</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Warner Instruments, LLC</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">64-0105</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

isolation of atrial cardiomyocytes from a rat model of metabolic syndrome-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

In this article, we describe an optimized, Langendorff-based procedure for the isolation of single-cell atrial cardiomyocytes (ACMs) from a rat model of metabolic syndrome (MetS)-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The prevalence of MetS-related HFpEF is rising, and atrial cardiomyopathies associated with atrial remodeling and atrial fibrillation are clinically highly relevant as atrial remodeling is an independent predictor of mortality. Studies with isolated single-cell cardiomyocytes are frequently used to corroborate and complement in vivo findings. Circulatory vessel rarefication and interstitial tissue fibrosis pose a potentially limiting factor for the successful single-cell isolation of ACMs from animal models of this disease.
We have addressed this issue by employing a device capable of manually regulating the intraluminal pressure of cardiac cavities during the isolation procedure, substantially increasing the yield of morphologically and functionally intact ACMs. The acquired cells can be used in a variety of different experiments, such as cell culture and functional Calcium imaging (i.e., excitation-contraction-coupling).
We provide the researcher with a step-by-step protocol, a list of optimized solutions, thorough instructions to prepare the necessary equipment, and a comprehensive troubleshooting guide. While the initial implementation of the procedure might be rather difficult, a successful adaptation will allow the reader to perform state-of-the-art ACM isolations in a rat model of MetS-related HFpEF for a broad spectrum of experiments.

At 21 weeks of age, 60&#8211;90% of viable ACMs (estimated as described in step 6.1), after the calcium re-adaptation (step 5.4&#8211;5.7), can be isolated from ZSF-1 obese rats by this method (Figure 4A). In rats, ACMs are characterized by a different and more heterogenous phenotype compared to VCMs24,25. Figure 4B shows an individual ACM with preserved membranes and sar...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Isolation of Atrial Cardiomyocytes from a Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome-related Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction at JoVE.com

Isolation of Atrial Cardiomyocytes from a Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome-related Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Here, we describe an optimized, Langendorff-based procedure for the isolation of single-cell atrial cardiomyocytes from a rat model of metabolic syndrome-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. A manual regulation of intraluminal pressure of cardiac cavities is implemented to yield functionally intact myocytes suitable for excitation-contraction-coupling studies.

In this article, we describe an optimized, Langendorff-based procedure for the isolation of single-cell atrial cardiomyocytes (ACMs) from a rat model of ...

This method can help answer key questions in the field of individual cardiomyocyte function and allows studying excitation-contraction-coupling. The main advantage of this technique is that a high yield of viable atrial cardiomyocytes from hearts with atrial cardiomyopathy can be isolated and used for subsequent experiments. Begin by placing a cannula with the long, sharp tip removed on top of the Langendorff apparatus and start the flow.Turn on the heating module and adjust so that the perfusion buffer at the tip of the needle maintains the desired temperature for perfusion. Once the temperature calibration is complete, transfer the cannula to a 10 ml syringe filled with ice-cold cannulation buffer. Place two ready-prepared double overhand knots over the cannula for rapid subsequent cannulation of the aorta.Remove the heart from the euthanized, heparinized rat by pinching the base of the heart with forceps and gently pulling down towards the tail of the animal. Cut across the aorta while maintaining a pull on the heart, leaving a 5-mm-long segment of the aorta attached to the heart. Quickly transfer the heart into 50 ml of ice-cold cannulation buffer in a 50 ml beaker.Wait approximately 10 s for the heart to cool and cease contractions. Then, transfer the heart into a Petri dish, containing 50 ml of fresh, ice-cold cannulation buffer and carefully remove the fatty tissues surrounding the aorta using forceps and scissors. Insert the modified cannula 3 mm into the aorta without damaging the aortic valve.Fix the aorta onto the cannula by tying one of the two cannulation knots at the indentation proximal to the tip of the cannula. Tie the second cannulation knot at the indentation distal to the tip of the cannula. Gently flush the aorta with 5 ml of ice-cold cannulation buffer using the syringe attached to the cannula until no blood is visible in the coronary arteries.Then, use forceps to gently massage the left atrium while injecting the remaining 5 ml of cannulation buffer to flush any remaining blood. Unmount the cannula with the attached heart from the syringe. Mount the cannula with the attached heart to the Langendorff, using an appropriate adapter.Start the peristaltic pump of the Langendorff apparatus to initiate the perfusion of the cardiac tissue. Quickly tie a double overhand knot around the base of the heart excluding the aorta. When the right and left atrium and coronary sinus inflate, puncture the atrium with the butterfly needle of the pressure control device and allow the atrium to deflate.Manipulate the intraluminal pressure of the atrium by adjusting the elevation of the hose attached to the butterfly needle. Keep the atrium slightly inflated throughout the rest of the procedure. It is critical that the step is performed swiftly, as a prolonged inflation of the atrium will result in cardiomyocyte death.Position a temperature probe between the left atrium and the left ventricle to measure the approximate temperature of the left atrium. Adjust the temperature of the Langendorff heating module accordingly, targeting an approximate temperature of 37 C of the left atrium. After 3 min of perfusion with perfusion buffer, switch to digestion buffer and perfuse for approximately 14-18 min.When the left atrial structure collapses and the tissue acquires a milky texture, pinch the atrium using forceps and an act of slight pull. Remove the left atrium using fine scissors and transfer the atrium into a large weighing boat containing 2 ml of stopping buffer, fully submerging the tissue. Use fine scissors to mince the atrial tissue into small pieces of roughly 2 sq mm.Disperse the tissue by gently triturating the tissue with a transfer pipette for approximately 5 min until a macroscopic dissociation of the tissue can be observed. Avoid generating air bubbles, as exposing the cells to air will result in cardiomyocyte death. Then, transfer the cell suspension to a 15 ml conical tube.After allowing the tissue chunks to settle for 30 s, remove the supernatant and transfer to another 15 ml conical tube. Then allow the cells to settle for 15 min. After removing and discarding the supernatant, add 2 ml of Step 1 Buffer and allow the cardiomyocytes to settle for 10 min.After 10 min, remove and discard the final supernatant. Add 250 microliters of normal Tyrode, containing 1 mM calcium. Transfer 50 microliters of the atrial cardiomyocyte suspension onto a laminin-coated glass bottom dish and allow the cardiomyocytes to settle at room temperature for 10 min.After 10 min, add 500 microliters of normal Tyrode containing 1 mM calcium chloride to the cells. Evaluate cell morphology and viability under a light microscope. Randomly select approximately 100 cells and classify them as either viable or unviable to estimate the viability of the cell isolation procedure.Viable cells are characterized by symmetric sarcomere structure, the absence of membrane blebs and a rod shape. Add 10 micromolar Fluo-4-AM to 500 microliters of normal Tyrode and use this to replace the normal Tyrode containing 1 mM calcium chloride in the glass bottom dish. After 20 min, remove the Fluo-4-AM solution and wash the cells twice with 500 microliters of normal Tyrode.Transfer the dish to a confocal microscope and visualize the calcium excitation, using 40 x magnification. Then, perfuse the cells with normal Tyrode heated to 37 C using an appropriate superfusion device. Stimulate the cardiomyocytes in an electrical field with commercially available, microscope-mounted stimulator electrodes at a frequency of 1 Hz and an electrical current of 24 Amps.After waiting for 1 min to allow the cells to reach a steady state of calcium ion handling, acquire line scan images by repetitive scanning. This image shows the transverse line scan of a single cardiomyocyte. The change of cytosolic calcium concentration is shown by excitation of the calcium-sensitive fluorescent dye, Fluo-4-AM.The arrows indicate the electrical stimulation conducted at 1 Hz.This image shows the transverse calcium transients derived from this single cell. Once mastered, this technique can be performed in 3 h. While attempting this protocol, it is important to remember the time sensitivity of certain steps in the isolation procedure.Following this procedure, other methods of sub-cellular imaging can be performed in order to answer additional questions regarding atrial cardiomyocyte remodeling.

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Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

Gene Transfer for Ischemic Heart Failure in a Preclinical Model

Various emerging technologies are being developed for patients with heart failure. Well-established preclinical evaluations are necessary to determine their efficacy and safety.
Gene therapy using viral vectors is one of the most promising approaches for treating cardiac diseases. Viral delivery of various different genes by changing the carrier gene has immeasurable therapeutic potential.
In this video, the full process of an animal model of heart failure creation followed by gene transfer is presented using a swine model. First, myocardial infarction is created by occluding the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery. Heart remodeling results in chronic heart failure. Unique to our model is a fairly large scar which truly reflects patients with severe heart failure who require aggressive therapy for positive outcomes. After myocardial infarct creation and development of scar tissue, an intracoronary injection of virus is demonstrated with simultaneous nitroglycerine infusion. Our injection method provides simple and efficient gene transfer with enhanced gene expression. This combination of a myocardial infarct swine model with intracoronary virus delivery has proven to be a consistent and reproducible methodology, which helps not only to test the effect of individual gene, but also compare the efficacy of many genes as therapeutic candidates.

A method of gene transfer for the treatment of ischemic heart failure is described using a swine model of myocardial infarction. Our simple and reproducible method enables us to readily evaluate the efficacy of various gene transfers with a very simple and reproducible way.

Various emerging technologies are being developed for patients with heart failure. Well-established preclinical evaluations are necessary to determine ...

A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and  Ease of Implantation

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) terminate ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) with high efficacy and can protect patients from sudden cardiac death (SCD). However, inappropriate shocks may occur if tachycardias are misdiagnosed. Inappropriate shocks are harmful and impair patient quality of life. The risk of inappropriate therapy increases with lower detection rates programmed in the ICD. Single-chamber detection poses greater risks for misdiagnosis when compared with dual-chamber devices that have the benefit of additional atrial information. However, using a dual-chamber device merely for the sake of detection is generally not accepted, since the risks associated with the second electrode may outweigh the benefits of detection. Therefore, BIOTRONIK developed a ventricular lead called the LinoxSMART S DX, which allows for the detection of atrial signals from two electrodes positioned at the atrial part of the ventricular electrode. This device contains two ring electrodes; one that contacts the atrial wall at the junction of the superior vena cava (SVC) and one positioned at the free floating part of the electrode in the atrium. The excellent signal quality can only be achieved by a special filter setting in the ICD (Lumax 540 and 740 VR-T DX, BIOTRONIK). Here, the ease of implantation of the system will be demonstrated.

Dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) may improve detection of atrial fibrillation as well as differentiation of tachycardias. However, this advantage is undermined by complications associated with the second electrode, which is required in conventional dual chamber devices. Therefore, BIOTRONIK has developed a new electrode called the LinoxSMART S DX that, when used in conjunction with the Lumax DX ICD, offers dual-chamber detection without the risks associated with the second electrode.

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) terminate ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) with high efficacy and can protect ...

Method of Isolated Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion in a Rat Model: Lessons Learned from Developing a Rat EVLP Program

The number of acceptable donor lungs available for lung transplantation is severely limited due to poor quality. Ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP) has allowed lung transplantation in humans to become more readily available by enabling the ability to assess organs and expand the donor pool. As this technology expands and improves, the ability to potentially evaluate and improve the quality of substandard lungs prior to transplant is a critical need. In order to more rigorously evaluate these approaches, a reproducible animal model needs to be established that would allow for testing of improved techniques and management of the donated lungs as well as to the lung-transplant recipient. In addition, an EVLP animal model of associated pathologies, e.g., ventilation induced lung injury (VILI), would provide a novel method to evaluate treatments for these pathologies. Here, we describe the development of a rat EVLP lung program and refinements to this method that allow for a reproducible model for future expansion. We also describe the application of this EVLP system to model VILI in rat lungs. The goal is to provide the research community with key information and &#8220;pearls of wisdom&#8221;/techniques that arose from trial and error and are critical to establishing an EVLP system that is robust and reproducible.

Method of Isolated Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion in a Rat Model: Lessons Learned from Developing a Rat EVLP Program

Ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP) has allowed lung transplantation in humans to become more readily available by enabling the ability to assess organs and expand the donor pool. Here, we describe the development of a rat EVLP program and refinements that allow for a reproducible model for future expansion.

The number of acceptable donor lungs available for lung transplantation is severely limited due to poor quality. Ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP) has allowed ...

The Inverted Heart Model for Interstitial Transudate Collection from the Isolated Rat Heart

The present protocol describes a unique approach that enables the collection of cardiac transudate (CT) from the isolated, saline-perfused rat heart. After isolation and retrograde perfusion of the heart according to the Langendorff technique, the heart is inverted into an upside-down position and is mechanically stabilized by a balloon catheter inserted into the left ventricle. Then, a thin latex cap &#8211; previously cast to match the average size of the rat heart &#8211; is placed over the epicardial surface. The outlet of the latex cap is connected to silicon tubing, with the distal opening 10 cm below the base level of the heart, creating slight suction. CT continuously produced on the epicardial surface is collected in ice-cooled vials for further analysis. The rate of CT formation ranged from 17 to 147 &#181;L/min (n = 14) in control and infarcted hearts, which represents 0.1-1% of the coronary venous effluent perfusate. Proteomic analysis and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed that the collected CT contains a wide spectrum of proteins and purinergic metabolites.

This protocol describes a method to collect cardiac interstitial fluid from the isolated, perfused rat heart. To physically separate interstitial transudate from coronary venous effluent perfusate, the Langendorff perfused heart is inverted, and the transudate (interstitial fluid) formed on the cardiac surface is collected using a soft latex cap.

The present protocol describes a unique approach that enables the collection of cardiac transudate (CT) from the isolated, saline-perfused rat heart. ...

Isolation and Cultivation of Adult Rat Cardiomyocytes

In an intact heart, adjacent cells influence adult cardiomyocytes. With the method of isolation and cultivation of adult cardiomyocytes, a precise investigation of the behavior of these cells under specific treatments and environments is possible. This manuscript presents a protocol for successful isolation and cultivation of adult rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (ARVC).
The rat is sacrificed by cervical dislocation under deep anesthesia. Then, the heart is extracted and the aorta is uncovered. Subsequently, perfusion on the Langendorff perfusion system with calcium depletion and collagenase treatment is performed. Afterwards, ventricular tissue gets minced, re-circulated, and filtered, followed by three centrifugation steps with gradual addition of CaCl2 until physiological calcium concentration is reached. ARVC are plated on cell culture dishes. After refreshing the cell culture medium, ARVC can be cultivated for up to six days without changing the serum-containing culture medium. Isolation of ARVC is a calcium sensitive process. Small changes in the intracellular calcium concentration cause a decrease in the quality and viability of the isolated cells.
Freshly isolated ARVC are rod shaped. Within the first days of cultivation they lose the rod-shaped morphology and form pseudopodia-like structures (spreading). During this morphological formation ARVC initially degrade their contractile elements followed by a reformation through actin stress fibers and de novo sarcomerogenesis. After one week of cultivation, most ARVC show a widespread appearance with a clearly detectable cross striation. This process is sensitive to intracellular calcium concentration, as treatment with ionomycin attenuates spreading. Key markers in this process of de- and re-differentiation are &#946;-myosin heavy chain (&#946;-MHC), oncostatin M (OSM), and swiprosin-1 (EFHD2). Recent studies have suggested that cardiac re- and de-differentiation occurring under culture conditions mimics features seen in vivo during cardiac remodeling. Therefore, isolation and cultivation of ARVC play a key role in understanding the biology of cardiomyocytes.

Here, we present a protocol for the isolation and cultivation of adult rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (ARVC). Isolated ARVC can be used for short and long-term cultivation. The isolation and cultivation of ARVC can play a key role in developing new treatment regimens for cardiac diseases.

In an intact heart, adjacent cells influence adult cardiomyocytes. With the method of isolation and cultivation of adult cardiomyocytes, a precise ...

Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine

A stable and reliable model of chronic heart failure is required for many experiments to understand hemodynamics or to test effects of new treatment methods. Here, we present such a model by tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy, which can be produced by rapid cardiac pacing in swine.
A single pacing lead is introduced transvenously into fully anaesthetized healthy swine, to the apex of the right ventricle, and fixated. Its other end is then tunneled dorsally to the paravertebral region. There, it is connected to an in-house modified heart pacemaker unit that is then implanted in a subcutaneous pocket. 
After 4 - 8 weeks of rapid ventricular pacing at rates of 200 - 240 beats/min, physical examination revealed signs of severe heart failure - tachypnea, spontaneous sinus tachycardia, and fatigue. Echocardiography and X-ray showed dilation of all heart chambers, effusions, and severe systolic dysfunction. These findings correspond well to decompensated dilated cardiomyopathy and are also preserved after the cessation of pacing.
This model of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy can be used for studying the pathophysiology of progressive chronic heart failure, especially hemodynamic changes caused by new treatment modalities like mechanical circulatory supports. This methodology is easy to perform and the results are robust and reproducible.

Here, we present a protocol to produce tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy in swine. This model represents a potent way to study the hemodynamics of progressive chronic heart failure and the effects of applied treatment.

A stable and reliable model of chronic heart failure is required for many experiments to understand hemodynamics or to test effects of new treatment ...

Isolation of Atrial Myocytes from Adult Mice

The electrophysiological properties of atrial myocytes importantly affect overall cardiac function. Alterations in the underlying ionic currents responsible for the action potential can cause pro-arrhythmic substrates that underlie arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, which are highly prevalent in many conditions and disease states. Isolating adult mouse atrial cardiomyocytes for use in patch-clamp experiments has greatly advanced our knowledge and understanding of the cellular electrophysiology in the healthy atrial myocardium and in the setting of atrial pathophysiology. In addition, studies using genetic mouse models have elucidated the role of a vast array of proteins in regulating atrial electrophysiology. Here we provide a detailed protocol for the isolation of cardiomyocytes from the atrial appendages of adult mice using a combination of enzymatic digestion and mechanical dissociation of these tissues. This approach consistently and reliably yields isolated atrial cardiomyocytes that can then be used to characterize cellular electrophysiology by measuring action potentials and ionic currents in patch-clamp experiments under a number of experimental conditions.

This protocol is used to isolate single atrial cardiomyocytes from the adult mouse heart using a chunk digestion approach. This approach is used to isolate right or left atrial myocytes that can be used to characterize atrial myocyte electrophysiology in patch-clamp studies.

The electrophysiological properties of atrial myocytes importantly affect overall cardiac function. Alterations in the underlying ionic currents ...

Establishing a Swine Model of Post-myocardial Infarction Heart Failure for Stem Cell Treatment

Although advances have been achieved in the treatment of heart failure (HF) following myocardial infarction (MI), HF following MI remains one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity around the world. Cell-based therapies for cardiac repair and improvement of left ventricular function after MI have attracted considerable attention. Accordingly, the safety and efficacy of these cell transplantations should be tested in a preclinical large animal model of HF prior to clinical use. Pigs are widely used for cardiovascular disease research due to their similarity to humans in terms of heart size and coronary anatomy. Therefore, we sought to present an effective protocol for the establishment of a porcine chronic HF model using closed-chest coronary balloon occlusion of the left circumflex artery (LCX), followed by rapid ventricular pacing induced with pacemaker implantation. Eight weeks later, the stem cells were administered by intramyocardial injection in the peri-infarct area. Then the infarct size, cell survival, and left ventricular function (including echocardiography, hemodynamic parameters, and electrophysiology) were evaluated. This study helps establish a stable preclinical large animal HF model for stem cell treatment.

We sought to establish a swine model of heart failure induced by left circumflex artery blockage and rapid pacing to test the effect and safety of intramyocardial administration of stem cells for cell-based therapies.

Although advances have been achieved in the treatment of heart failure (HF) following myocardial infarction (MI), HF following MI remains one of the major ...

A Rat Model of Pressure Overload Induced Moderate Remodeling and Systolic Dysfunction as Opposed to Overt Systolic Heart Failure

In response to an injury, such as myocardial infarction, prolonged hypertension or a cardiotoxic agent, the heart initially adapts through the activation of signal transduction pathways, to counteract, in the short-term, for the cardiac myocyte loss and or the increase in wall stress. However, prolonged activation of these pathways becomes detrimental leading to the initiation and propagation of cardiac remodeling leading to changes in left ventricular geometry and increases in left ventricular volumes; a phenotype seen in patients with systolic heart failure (HF). Here, we describe the creation of a rat model of pressure overload induced moderate remodeling and early systolic dysfunction (MOD) by ascending aortic banding (AAB) via a vascular clip with an internal area of 2 mm2. The surgery is performed in 200 g Sprague-Dawley rats. The MOD HF phenotype develops at 8-12 weeks after AAB and is characterized noninvasively by means of echocardiography. Previous work suggests the activation of signal transduction pathways and altered gene expression and post-translational modification of proteins in the MOD HF phenotype that mimic those seen in human systolic HF; therefore, making the MOD HF phenotype a suitable model for translational research to identify and test potential therapeutic anti-remodeling targets in HF. The advantages of the MOD HF phenotype compared to the overt systolic HF phenotype is that it allows for the identification of molecular targets involved in the early remodeling process and the early application of therapeutic interventions. The limitation of the MOD HF phenotype is that it may not mimic the spectrum of diseases leading to systolic HF in human. Moreover, it is a challenging phenotype to create, as the AAB surgery is associated with high mortality and failure rates with only 20% of operated rats developing the desired HF phenotype.

We describe the creation of a rat model of pressure overload induced moderate remodeling and early systolic dysfunction where signal transduction pathways involved in the initiation of the remodeling process are activated. This animal model will aid in identifying molecular targets for applying early therapeutic anti-remodeling strategies for heart failure.

In response to an injury, such as myocardial infarction, prolonged hypertension or a cardiotoxic agent, the heart initially adapts through the activation ...

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure

Transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the standard imaging method for atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) detection, for patient selection for transcatheter ASD/PFO closure,&#160;for intraoperative guidance and for long-term follow-up. The size, shape, location and the number of the atrial communications schould be determined. The accuracy of PFO detection can be improved by using agitated saline together with maneuvers to transiently increase the right atrial (RA) pressure. The appearance of microbubbles in the left atrium (LA) within 3 cardiac cycles after opacification of the RA is considered positive for the presence of an intracardiac shunt. Three dimensional TEE identifies further septal fenestrations and describes the dynamic morphology of ASD/PFO and atrial septal aneurysm. Follow-up evaluations with TTE is recommended at 1, 6, and 12 months after the procedure, with a subsequent evaluation every year. Previous studies showed an increased incidence of atrial arrhythmias early after device closure. Speckle tracking analysis may help to understand functional left atrial remodeling following percutaneous closure and its impact on atrial arrhythmias.

Transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal (TEE) echocardiography represent the basic imaging tools for interatrial septum examination. Three dimensional (3D) TEE provides incremental information in the assessment of the interatrial septum. Further advanced echocardiography techniques using speckle tracking echocardiography are applied for sensitive volumetric and functional assessment of the heart chambers.&#160;

Transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the standard imaging method for atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent foramen ovale ...