Optical mapping system for recording action potential durations in adult mouse left and right atrium

The increasing availability of murine models of the cardiovascular system has created a need for instrumentation and methods for assessing murine cardiovascular function. We have adapted an existing optical mapping system based on voltage-sensitive dyes to record from an isolated mouse atrial preparation. Initial results indicate that our approach is capable of recording action potentials from isolated mouse atria with sufficient signal quality to determine action potential duration (APD). Preliminary observations suggest that gradients in APD exist in the mouse atria and are similar to those observed in the atria of larger mammals. Future work with this technique will provide important information about mouse atrial electrophysiology and how it relates to that of larger mammals.