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Updated: May 12, 2026
Local Field Fluorescence Microscopy: Imaging Cellular Signals in Intact Hearts
Published on: March 8, 2017
Motion artefact in voltage-sensitive fluorescent dye emission during repeated ischemia of isolated heart
O Janoušek1, J Kolářová, M Ronzhina
1Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic. xjanou12@stud.feec.vutbr.cz
Abstract:
Motion artefact (MA) in voltage-sensitive fluorescent signals causes significant debasement of action potential. During ischemia and reperfusion in isolated rabbit heart, this artefact develops in a manner which may be described by the time of its onset, level, and shape. The MA during ischemia: (a) may become substantial with approximately two minutes delay after establishing global ischemia; (b) may be almost twice as high as the physiological action potential and decreases both with time and repetition of ischemia; (c) the MA shape is unpredictable and depends on individual rabbit.
Insights
Motion artefact (MA) in voltage-sensitive signals significantly impacts action potential readings. This study characterizes MA during rabbit heart ischemia, revealing its onset, amplitude, and variable shape.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Voltage-sensitive fluorescent signals are crucial for monitoring cardiac electrical activity.
- Motion artefact (MA) can severely distort these signals, particularly action potentials.
- Understanding MA during ischemia is vital for accurate cardiac function assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the development and properties of motion artefact (MA) in voltage-sensitive fluorescent signals during ischemia and reperfusion in an isolated rabbit heart model.
- To quantify the onset, magnitude, and shape of MA under ischemic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an isolated rabbit heart model subjected to global ischemia and reperfusion.
- Recorded voltage-sensitive fluorescent signals to monitor action potentials.
- Analyzed the characteristics of motion artefact, including its timing, amplitude, and morphology.
Main Results:
- Motion artefact (MA) onset occurred with a delay of approximately two minutes after initiating global ischemia.
- MA amplitude could reach nearly double the physiological action potential height.
- MA magnitude decreased with time and with repeated ischemic episodes.
- The shape of the MA was found to be unpredictable and varied between individual rabbits.
Conclusions:
- Motion artefact (MA) is a significant confounding factor in voltage-sensitive fluorescence studies of the heart during ischemia.
- The characterized properties of MA provide crucial information for developing artifact correction strategies.
- Further research is needed to fully understand and mitigate MA in cardiac electrophysiology studies.
