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Determination of function in the isolated working mouse heart: issues in experimental design
N S Gauthier1, G P Matherne, R R Morrison
1Department of Pediatrics and the Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, USA.
Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology
|May 9, 1998
Summary
The hydrostatic fluid column model is superior for studying mouse heart function compared to the mechanical resistor model. This method provides more accurate cardiovascular measurements in isolated working mouse hearts.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Isolated working heart models are crucial for studying cardiac function.
- Accurate afterload setting is essential for reliable hemodynamic measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the performance of two isolated working mouse heart models.
- To determine the optimal method for setting afterload in murine cardiac research.
Main Methods:
- Isolated working mouse hearts were subjected to volume and pressure loading.
- Afterload was set using either a hydrostatic fluid column or a mechanical resistor.
- Cardiovascular function, including left-ventricular pressure and coronary flow, was measured.
Main Results:
- The mechanical resistor model significantly increased afterload and altered ventricular mechanics during volume loading.
- The hydrostatic fluid column model maintained stable aortic pressure and coronary flow.
- No significant differences were observed during pressure loading between the models.
- Mouse heart data showed similarities to larger species, with higher MVO2 and coronary flows.
Conclusions:
- The hydrostatic fluid column model is preferred for studying isolated working mouse heart function.
- This model provides more reliable hemodynamic data and is consistent with larger animal models.
- The findings support the use of the fluid column model for relevant murine cardiac physiology studies.