Langendorff heart

Ischemic preconditioning of the heart

Langendorff Heart is a technique used in physiology and pharmacology research to isolate the heart from an animal in order to study its function outside of the body. This method allows for the examination of heart mechanics, electrophysiology, and pharmacological responses without the influence of systemic factors. Named after the German physiologist Oscar Langendorff, who developed the technique in the late 19th century, the Langendorff heart has become a fundamental tool in cardiovascular research.

Overview

The Langendorff Heart preparation involves perfusing the isolated heart through the aorta with a nutrient-rich, oxygenated solution, typically at a constant pressure or constant flow. This setup maintains the heart in a beating state, allowing for the study of various cardiac functions under controlled conditions. The perfusion solution, often referred to as Langendorff solution, is kept at a physiological temperature and is composed of various salts and nutrients essential for heart function.

Procedure

The procedure for setting up a Langendorff Heart begins with the isolation of the heart from an animal, usually a rat or rabbit, immediately after euthanasia. The aorta is then quickly cannulated, and the heart is perfused retrogradely. This means the perfusion solution is introduced into the aorta and flows backward through the coronary arteries to supply the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients. The right atrium is often removed or cut to allow for the drainage of the perfusate, preventing edema.

Applications

The Langendorff Heart is used in a wide range of research applications, including:

• Studying the effects of drugs on heart function, such as changes in heart rate, contractility, and rhythm.
• Investigating the mechanisms of heart diseases, including ischemia-reperfusion injury and heart failure.
• Assessing the cardioprotective effects of various interventions.
• Exploring the electrophysiological properties of the heart, including action potential propagation and arrhythmogenesis.

Advantages and Limitations

The Langendorff Heart preparation offers several advantages, including the ability to control the external environment of the heart precisely and the elimination of neural and hormonal influences. However, it also has limitations, such as the lack of a physiological preload and afterload, which can affect heart function. Additionally, the absence of systemic factors means that the results obtained from Langendorff Heart studies may not fully replicate in vivo conditions.

Conclusion

The Langendorff Heart remains a valuable tool in cardiovascular research, providing insights into the fundamental aspects of heart function and the effects of various interventions on the heart. Despite its limitations, the technique's ability to isolate the heart from systemic influences makes it indispensable for understanding the intrinsic properties of cardiac tissue.