Isolated Adult Cardiomyocytes

Book excerpt: First published in 1989, written with contributions from experts who have critically evaluated the state of the art and the prospects of isolated adults cardiac myocytes in cardiological research, this two-volume publication summarizes the current knowledge of this technology. The methodology, structure, and metabolism of cardiomyocytes are presented, along with metabolism and cation homeostasis and energy metabolism and hypoxic injury. Additionally, cell isolation and culture and the structure and biochemistry of the sarcolemma is explained. Electrophysiology and contractile function with ionic currents and membrane channels is discussed. Also, the electro-physiological effects of transmitters and hormones are presented, with excitation-contraction coupling and the use of cardiomyocytes in drug design and research explained.