Lying between single cell and whole heart experimental studies, intact papillary muscle isolated from hearts offers unique advantages.

Intact Muscle Chamber System – unlike single isolated myocytes, which represent the smallest fully functional model system, intact papillary muscle can be used to study cardiac function within a multicellular context and an intact 3-dimensional myofilament lattice. And unlike whole heart studies, the contractile characteristics of papillary muscle can be evaluated independently of extrinsic factors such as vascular tone. Papillary muscle also allows measurements too difficult or impossible to perform in whole hearts. Similarly, unlike skinned preparations, intact muscle preparations allow for simultaneous detection of force production, tissue force measurements, intracellular calcium dynamics and stretch-release protocol.

The IonOptix Intact Muscle Chamber has been designed to facilitate these measurements. Intact ventricular papillary muscle can be easily attached between a robust force transducer and programmable length controller. Chamber fluid flow allows for temperature control and continuous oxygenation of tissue, while the specialized force transducer allows for electrical excitation directly through the muscle preparation. Simple platinum “Omega” clips are tied to the muscle ends which then slip onto platinum hooks. The platinum allows for electrical conductance and are inert, therefore there is no electrolysis or disruption of biology.

Not limited to cardiac tissue, our Intact Muscle Chamber has been tested and used with a number of skeletal preparations as well, including EDL, soleus, and engineered tissue.