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An improved protocol for the isolation and cultivation of embryonic mouse myocytes

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Abstract

In vitro cultures of cardiomyocytes have proven to be a useful tool for toxicological, pharmacological, and developmental studies, as well as for the study of the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for proper myocyte function. One deficient area of research is that of myocyte proliferation. Cardiomyocyte proliferation dramatically diminishes soon after birth and has a very limited occurrence within the adult heart, thus limiting the use of adult cells for proliferation studies. An improved understanding of the requirements for myocyte proliferation will allow for the development of better approaches to repair damaged heart tissue. Here, we provide a protocol for the reliable isolation of embryonic mouse myocytes. These myocytes behave similarly to those in vivo, including their ability to proliferate, providing an ideal system for the study of cardiomyocyte proliferation.

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Acknowledgments

Development of this protocol would not have been possible without correspondence with Dr. Joe Bahl. We would also like to acknowledge Dr. Earl N. Myer for inspiration on this topic. Funding was provided by HBLI 077493 (T.D.C) AND T32-HL07249 (L.S.R.).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA

    Laurel S. Rodgers & Daniel C. Schnurr

  2. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, 1703 E Mable St, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA

    Laurel S. Rodgers, Derrick Broka & Todd D. Camenisch

  3. Steel Children’s Research Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA

    Todd D. Camenisch

  4. Bio 5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA

    Todd D. Camenisch

Authors
  1. Laurel S. Rodgers
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  2. Daniel C. Schnurr
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  3. Derrick Broka
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  4. Todd D. Camenisch
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Correspondence to Laurel S. Rodgers.

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Rodgers, L.S., Schnurr, D.C., Broka, D. et al. An improved protocol for the isolation and cultivation of embryonic mouse myocytes. Cytotechnology 59, 93–102 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10616-009-9197-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10616-009-9197-9

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