Measurement of isolated myocyte volume using the Coulter models Z2 and ZM/C256: a comparison of instrument function

Changes in cardiac structure that depart from normal have generally been termed "remodeling". Assessment of ventricular remodeling at the cellular level should include measurement of myocyte dimensions. A well-established and reliable method to assess myocyte remodeling uses isolated cells and the Coulter Counter/Channelyzer system. The new Coulter Model Z2 has numerous modifications and improvements from the Model Z predecessor(s) interfaced to a pulse-height analyzer (e.g., channelyzer). Improvements of the Model Z2 over older instruments include: (i) elimination of the mercury manometer with accompanying oil-displacement pump; (ii) reduced size and weight; (iii) a higher degree of mechanization and automation; (iv) inclusion of an advanced comprehensive statistical package and (v) a substantial reduction in cost. The purpose of this study was to determine if the newly modified instrument produces the same results as the previous instrument combinations, which were shown to produce reliable cell volume data from irregularly shaped cells such as cardiac myocytes.