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Oxygen and extracellular fluid restriction in cultured heart cells: electron microscopy studies
Study Objective:
To evaluate the effects of "simulated ischaemia" on the structure of cultured heart cells.
Design:
Cultured heart cells were subjected for 2 h either to anoxia or to anoxia with simultaneous extracellular volume restriction ("simulated ischaemia"). Cells maintained under normoxic conditions served as controls. The cells were then fixed in situ in Petri dishes with formaldehyde-glutaraldehyde.
Experimental Materials:
Heart cells from one day old rats on day 5 in culture were used.
Measurements And Results:
Electron microscope studies were carried out on control and injured cells. "Mildly ischaemic" cells featured raffled and invaginated cell surfaces, reduced matrix density, disorientated mitochondrial cristae due to swelling, and giant mitochondria. Dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum and electron dense membrane bound vesicles were observed in the cytoplasm.
Conclusions:
The model of simulated ischaemia is in keeping with the classical picture of irreversible cell damage caused by ischaemic injury.