Isolation of ventricular myocytes of adult diabetes rats

AIM To explore an effective method for successful isolation of ventricular myocytes of adult diabetic rats. METHODS The diabetic rat model was established by a single injection of streptozocin (STZ) peritoneally in Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 150-200 g. Ventricular myocytes were isolated by perfusion of enzymatic solution. The isolated ventricular myocytes were then observed under inverted microscope. RESULTS The successful establishment rate of diabetic rats was 90%, the blood glucose level stayed high above 20 mmol/L. The isolated ventricular myocytes were alive up to 70%-90% with good and clear stripes. CONCLUSION This simple method is an effective way for successful isolation of diabetic rat ventricular myocytes.