CULTURE OF SPONTANEOUSLY CONTRACTING MYOCARDIAL-CELLS FROM ADULT RATS

A method is described for isolating single myocardial cells from adult rats and for establishing them in culture. Isolation is achieved by simultaneous enzymatic and mechanical treatment of excised cardiac tissue. Exposure to the enzymes, a mixture of trypsin and collagenase, is carried out in a specially designed apparatus in which enzyme-loosened cells are liberated from the tissue. Cells are spontaneously contractile upon isolation, establish in culture, and continue to contract for up to 60 days. Features of the isolation procedure are discussed and are compared with those of conventional procedures. Preliminary results are reported showing that isolated cells are sensitive to electric stimulation and to application of L-epinephrine.