Changes in DNA content of myocardial cells after cardiac explantation

To evaluate the changes in DNA content of myocardial cells, image cytometric measurement was performed on a series of specimens obtained from 7 explanted hearts with respect to different fixation times after cardiac explantation. Prior to fixation, the tissue samples were stored at 4 degrees C or at room temperature. When the tissue samples were stored at room temperature, the integrated optical density decreased after 48 hours from cardiac explantation. Meanwhile, the coefficient of variation of integrated optical density and the sum of intermediate ploidies of myocyte nuclei increased. However, no significant changes were found when tissue samples were kept at 4 degrees C. This study indicates that no significant changes in DNA content are found within two days from cardiac explantation.