Non-invasive analysis of beating parameters in in vitro cardiomyocyte culture

Studying of tissue and cellular functions via non-invasive methods represents a powerful tool for monitoring of various experimental and pathological conditions with minimal effect on observed processes. Cardiomyocytes are highly specified cells with unique ability of spontaneous beating. The beating characteristics such as beating frequencies and chronotropic changes are related to cardiomyocytes differentiation/maturation status and are modulated by cell culture conditions. Beating characteristic is modulated in response to various stimuli. Response of cardiomyocyte beating to tested compound is suggested to be valuable marker for testing cardiotoxicity. However, the detection of beating patter of cardiomyocytes in cell culture conditions is highly challenging. Here we introduce the Cardio Analyser software developed for digital movie analysis of beating properties of cardiomyocytes in vitro culture. Potential and capabilities of the software were tested on cardiomyocytes in vitro culture under various experimental conditions. Based on our results, this non-invasive method gives promising results in studies of the response of cells to various external stimulations, such as differentiation promoting agents or treatments. Cardio Analyser can be also useful in preliminary drug screening studies as a quick and inexpensive tool which doesn’t require extensive expertise.