Effects of voltage-sensitive dye di-4-ANEPPS on isolated rat heart electrogram

Mapping of cardiac electrical activity from Langendorff-perfused hearts using the voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) di-4-ANEPPS has yielded important new information. However, data about response of the heart to staining with VSD are scarce. Voltage-sensitive dye di-4-ANEPPS is currently used in our laboratory for recording of monophasic action potentials by optical method in isolated hearts. The most often used species in basic cardiology is the rat heart. In order to describe in more detail the response of the heart tissue exposed to di-4-ANEPPS, heart rate changes and arrhythmia-preceding parameters in isolated rat heart electrogram during staining with di-4-ANEPPS and washout period, were followed.