January 1, 1984
Determination of isolated myocyte viability: Staining methods and functional criteria
Key Result
Under anaerobic incubations, myocytes excluded Trypan blue despite severe derangements in biochemical functions, suggesting Trypan blue entry is an insensitive criterion of cell injury.
Structured PICO
P
Population
In vitro study of isolated cardiac myocytes from adult rat ventricles to determine viability criteria.
E
Exposure
Anaerobic incubations either in the absence of extracellular calcium or in the presence of 6% PEG
C
Comparator
Aerobic incubation or normal calcium conditions
O
Outcome
Cell viability assessed by Trypan blue exclusion, rod-shape morphology, ATP levels, and ability to contractsurrogate
Trypan blue exclusion is an insensitive marker of isolated myocyte viability; a combination of rod-shape morphology, ATP levels, and contractility under pacing is recommended instead.
Abstract
Single ventricular cells tolerant to physiological levels of calcium have been successfully isolated from adult rat heart. These cells exhibit morphological as well as functional characteristics of the intact myocardium. Under anaerobic incubations either in the absence of extracellular calcium or in the presence of 6% PEG, myocytes excluded Trypan blue despite severe derangements in biochemical functions. We suggest that Trypan blue entry may be a rather insensitive criterion of cell injury. We recommend the combination of rod-shape morphology, ATP levels and the ability to contract under external pacing as alternative simple tests of cell viability.