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

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.