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Detection and Analysis of DNA Damage in Mouse Skeletal Muscle In Situ Using the TUNEL Method
Published on: December 16, 2014
TUNEL assay for identifying ablated myocardium.
Brion Winston1, Michael Nalesnik, Raveen Bazaz
1University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. brion.winston@gmail.com
Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|September 10, 2010
Summary
The TUNEL assay detects apoptosis, aiding in identifying damaged heart tissue after ablation. This method offers advantages over traditional stains for researchers studying catheter ablation therapy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Molecular Biology Techniques
Background:
- The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay is a key method for identifying apoptosis.
- TUNEL is utilized in transplant pathology for detecting cardiac allograft rejection.
- Catheter ablation is a therapeutic procedure for cardiac arrhythmias.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the application of the TUNEL assay in identifying ablated ventricular myocardium segments.
- To discuss the benefits of the TUNEL assay compared to conventional histopathological stains in this context.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the TUNEL assay to detect apoptotic cells in cardiac tissue.
- Comparing TUNEL staining results with conventional histopathological stains.
Main Results:
- The TUNEL assay successfully identified segments of ablated ventricular myocardium.
- Demonstrated advantages of TUNEL assay over conventional histopathological stains for this specific application.
Conclusions:
- The TUNEL assay is a valuable tool for identifying apoptosis in ablated cardiac tissue.
- TUNEL assay provides a useful method for investigators of catheter ablation therapy.
