Revisiting Mouse Cardiac Myocyte Isolation: A Simplified Langendorff-based Method

This protocol describes a Langendorff-based method for isolating intact adult mouse ventricular myocytes using syringe pump-driven perfusion. The approach retains the key physiological advantage of the conventional Langendorff technique, continuous retrograde coronary perfusion, while simplifying the overall setup. By combining retrograde aortic perfusion with widely available laboratory equipment, the method provides an accessible alternative to traditional Langendorff systems. A precision syringe pump connected to an in-line heater is used to deliver temperature-controlled, constant-flow perfusion during enzymatic digestion. In contrast to gravity-driven constant-pressure systems, constant-flow perfusion maintains stable enzyme delivery despite changes in coronary resistance that occur during tissue digestion. Use of an inline heater allows precise, rapid temperature-controlled delivery, avoiding the complexity, leak risk, thermal lag, and contamination susceptibility associated with traditional water-jacketed systems. Our setup reduces variability in perfusion rate and minimizes susceptibility to occlusion, flow interruption, or compliance-related artifacts, enhancing reproducibility. The method consistently yields adult ventricular myocytes with high viability (>70% rod-shaped, calcium-tolerant), enabling a broad range of functional analyses including electrophysiology, contractile performance and calcium handling. Step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting guidance, and anticipated outcomes are provided to facilitate adoption in laboratories without dedicated isolated-heart perfusion infrastructure. Key FeaturesO_LISimplified Langendorff-based mouse cardiomyocyte isolation method that eliminates the need for specialized perfusion rigs. C_LIO_LISyringe pump-driven constant-flow perfusion combined with inline temperature control improves reproducibility by ensuring stable enzyme delivery and precise temperature regulation. C_LIO_LIGenerates high-yield, calcium-tolerant adult mouse ventricular myocytes suitable for functional studies. C_LI Graphical Overview O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=190 SRC="FIGDIR/small/718810v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (63K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@18cabc6org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@61831eorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1e76036org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@15d8268_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG Graphical overview of the simplified Langendorff-based mouse cardiac myocyte isolation protocol. C_FIG