Protocol for high-resolution optical mapping of ex vivo rat heart for electrophysiological studies.

STAR Protoc

Heart Rhythm Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan; Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Sciences

Published: June 2025


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Article Abstract

Cardiac optical mapping provides high-resolution spatiotemporal insights into cardiac electrophysiology. Here, we present a protocol for capturing electrical signals in rats using voltage-sensitive dyes and blebbistatin to inhibit muscle contractions. We describe steps for aortic cannulation, heart isolation, optical mapping, and detailed signal analysis. This staining strategy utilized in this protocol allows for precise signal recording while minimizing motion artifacts, thereby enhancing image quality on the cardiac surface. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Hu et al..

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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12002646PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.xpro.2025.103734DOI Listing

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