A subscription to JoVE is required to view this content. Sign in or start your free trial.

Method Article

Sinoatrial Node Isolation from Mouse Model: A Procedure to Harvest SA Node from Murine Heart

4.8K views

⸱

July 8th, 2025

In This Article

Abstract

Source: Kumar, P et al., Microelectrode Array Recording of Sinoatrial Node Firing Rate to Identify Intrinsic Cardiac Pacemaking Defects in Mice. J. Vis. Exp. (2021)

This video demonstrates the procedure to isolate sinoatrial node or SAN from mouse heart. The SAN houses the sinoatrial cells that initiates heartbeat by generating spontaneous action potentials.

Protocol

All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board.

1. Dissecting the sinoatrial node (SAN)

  1. Prepare heparinized Complete Tyrode's solution for SAN dissection.
    1. Add 400 µL of heparin (1,000 USP/mL) to 40 mL of Complete Tyrode's solution and warm in a 37 °C water bath.
  2. Inject the mouse intraperitoneally with 200-300 μL of heparin (1000 USP/mL) and allow the animal to sit for 10 min.
  3. Euthanize the heparinized mouse by isoflurane overdose.
    1. Place the mouse in a small glas....

Access restricted. Please log in or start a trial to view this content.

Results

Dissection process diagram of mouse abdominal cavity for liver extraction in laboratory experiment.
Figure 1: Removal of the heart. (A) Transverse incision in the skin just beneath the bottom of the rib cage from about the left costal arch to the righ.......

Access restricted. Please log in or start a trial to view this content.

Disclosures

No conflicts of interest declared.

Materials

List of materials used in this article
NameCompanyCatalog NumberComments
22 gauge syringe needleFisher Scientific14-826-5AUsed for dissection
23 gauge syringe needleFisher Scientific14-826-6CUsed for dissection
60mm Petri DishesGenesee Scientific32-105G
Castroviejo Scissors, 4"Fine Science Tools15024-10
Dissection MicroscopeJenco
Dissecting PinsFine Science Tools26002-20
Dumont #2 Laminectomy ForcepsFine Science Tools11223-20
Dumont #55 ForcepsFine Science Tools11295-51
 Extra Fine Graefe ForcepsFine Science Tools11152-10
HemostatFine Science Tools13013-14
HeparinAurobindo Pharma Limited IDA, PashamylaramNDC 63739-953-25
Sylgruard Elastomer KitDow Corning184 SIL ELAST KIT 0.5KG
Surgical ScissorsFine Science Tools14074-09
Transfer Pipets (3mL graduated)Samco Scientific225
Isoflurane Patterson Veterinary 07-893-1389

Explore More Articles

Mouse Heart DissectionSAN Tissue HarvestAtrial Septum CuttingVena Cava IdentificationHeparinized Tyrode SolutionCastroviejo Scissors UseRight Atrium PreparationHeart Apex SecuringThoracic Cavity Exposure