A tomographic microscopy-compatible Langendorff system for the dynamic structural characterization of the cardiac cycle

Dejea i Velardo, Hèctor; Schlepütz, Christian M.; Méndez-Carmona, Natalia; Arnold, Maria; García Cañadilla, Patricia, 1985-; Longnus, Sarah L.; Stampanoni, Marco; Bijnens, Bart; Bonnin, Anne

doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2022.1023483

A tomographic microscopy-compatible Langendorff system for the dynamic structural characterization of the cardiac cycle

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Dejea H, Schlepütz CM, Méndez-Carmona N, Arnold M, Garcia-Canadilla P, Longnus SL, et al. A tomographic microscopy-compatible Langendorff system for the dynamic structural characterization of the cardiac cycle. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2022 Dec 22;9:1023483. DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1023483

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiac architecture has been extensively investigated ex vivo using a broad spectrum of imaging techniques. Nevertheless, the heart is a dynamic system and the structural mechanisms governing the cardiac cycle can only be unveiled when investigating it as such. Methods: This work presents the customization of an isolated, perfused heart system compatible with synchrotron-based X-ray phase contrast imaging (X-PCI). Results: Thanks to the capabilities of the developed setup, it was possible to visualize a beating isolated, perfused rat heart for the very first time in 4D at an unprecedented 2.75 μm pixel size (10.6 μm spatial resolution), and 1 ms temporal resolution. Discussion: The customized setup allows high-spatial resolution studies of heart architecture along the cardiac cycle and has thus the potential to serve as a tool for the characterization of the structural dynamics of the heart, including the effects of drugs and other substances able to modify the cardiac cycle.