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Updated: Aug 24, 2026
Dynamic Assessments of Coronary Flow Reserve after Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion in Mice
Published on: August 25, 2023
Measurement of coronary flow reserve in isolated hearts from mice
S Bratkovsky1, E Aasum, C H Birkeland
1Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tromsø, Norway.
Insights
This study establishes a reliable method for measuring coronary flow (CF) and hemodynamics in isolated mouse hearts. The model demonstrates stable performance and responsiveness to stimuli, though with a limited CF reserve.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Langendorff-perfused murine hearts are vital in cardiovascular research.
- Variability in coronary hemodynamics across research groups necessitates standardized methods.
- Simultaneous measurement of left ventricular hemodynamics and coronary flow (CF) is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish an isolated, retrogradely perfused mouse heart preparation.
- To enable simultaneous measurement of left ventricular hemodynamics and CF.
- To assess the stability and responsiveness of this model.
Main Methods:
- Isolated, retrogradely perfused murine heart model.
- Right atrial pacing for controlled heart rate (480 beats min(-1)).
- Constant heart temperature maintenance.
- Accurate measurement of coronary flow (CF) down to <0.5 mL min(-1).
Main Results:
- Stable performance over 2-h perfusion (10% decline per hour in CF and systolic pressure).
- Modest CF increase (30-50%) with sodium-nitroprusside and adenosine.
- Transient 40-50% CF increase post-ischemia with rapid recovery.
- Minor ventricular pressure changes during CF alterations.
Conclusions:
- The isolated perfused mouse heart model allows accurate determination of blood flow and hemodynamics.
- This model is suitable for studying coronary responses to vasoactive drugs and ischemia.
- Coronary flow reserve in this model is limited compared to in vivo conditions.
Aim:
Langendorff-perfused murine hearts are increasingly used in cardiovascular research, but coronary cardiovascular haemodynamics vary considerably from one research group to another. The aim of this study was to establish an isolated, retrogradely perfused mouse heart preparation for the simultaneous measurement of left ventricular haemodynamics and of coronary flow (CF).
Methods:
Heart rate was controlled by right atrial pacing (480 beats min(-1)) and heart temperature was kept constant. Accurate flow values of <0.5 mL min(-1) could be determined, and this methodology was then used to study the stability of this preparation, as well as coronary response to vasoactive drugs and to short-term ischaemia.
Results:
The CF and maximum systolic pressure were well maintained over a 2-h perfusion period, both showing a 10% decline per hour. Sodium-nitroprusside (endothelium-independent) and adenosine (endothelium-dependent) increased CF relatively modest (30-50% above baseline values). Short-term no-flow ischaemia caused a transient 40-50% increase in CF on reperfusion. Peak reflow occurred approximately 15 s after start of reperfusion and flow returned to baseline during the following 1-2 min. Increased coronary blood flow following infusion of vasoactive drugs (nitroprusside or adenosine) or short-term ischaemia were associated with minor changes in ventricular pressure development.
Conclusions:
Blood flow and haemodynamics can readily be determined in this isolated perfused mouse heart model, but CF reserve is relatively small, compared with blood-perfused organs.
