Background Genetically altered mice will provide important insights into a
wide variety of processes in cardiovascular physiology underlying myocardia
l infarction (MI). Comprehensive and accurate analyses of cardiac function
in murine models require implementation of the most appropriate techniques
and experimental protocols. Objective In this study we present in vivo, who
le-animal techniques and experimental protocols for detailed electrophysiol
ogical characterization in a mouse model of myocardial ischemia and infarct
ion. Methods FVB mice underwent open-chest surgery for ligation of the left
anterior descending coronary artery or sham operation. By means of echocar
diographic imaging, electrocardiography, intracardiac: electrophysiology st
udy, and conscious telemetric ECG recording for heart rate variability (HRV
) analysis, we evaluated ischemic and postinfarct cardiovascular morphology
and function in mice. Results Coronary artery ligation resulted in antero-
apical infarction of the left ventricular wall. MI mice showed decreased ca
rdiac function by echocardiography, infarct-typical pattern on EGG, and inc
reased arrhythmia vulnerability during: electrophysiological study. Electro
physiological properties were determined comprehensively, hut were not alte
red significantly as a consequence of MI. Autonomic nervous system function
, measured by indices of HRV, did not appear altered in mice during ischemi
a or infarction. Conclusions Cardiac conduction, refractoriness, and heart
rate variability appear to remain preserved in a murine model of myocardial
ischemia and infarction. Myocardial infarction may increase vulnerability
to inducible ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation, similarly to
EPS findings in humans. These data may be of value as a reference for compa
rison with mutant murine models necessitating ischemia or scar to elicit an
identifiable phenotype. The limitations of directly extrapolating murine c
ardiac electrophysiology data to conditions in humans need to be considered
.