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A method has been developed for sustaining 12-day mouse embryo hearts (approximately 2mm diameter) in organ culture for extended periods of time on the stage of an acoustic microscope. A culture chamber (Fig. 1) was fabricated to supply the hearts with a continuous flow of oxygenated culture medium to maintain contractile function. Simultaneous acoustic and optical viewing1 of the hearts permits more complete observation of the contractile events than heretofore possible. Anatomical features of the heart such as atria, ventricles, coronaries and valves have been observed. A group of hearts has been maintained simultaneously in the chamber for several days. The hearts may be in various physiological conditions, e.g. synchronous, asynchronous, rhythmic or arrhythmic. Drugs are introduced into the chamber either by pulsing (as short as 5 sec. exposure) or using a continuous perfusion. The effectiveness of these agents in restoring normal behavior can be evaluated. A videotape will be presented to describe the method and results. |
