Spatial characterization of contracting cardiac myocytes by computer-assisted, video-based image processing

Time-dependent and simultaneous changes in the length, width, and profile area of isolated myocytes from the left ventricles of pigs were measured using a computer-assisted, video-based image processing (CAVIP) system. CAVIP also examined myocyte geometry during contraction in normal myocytes and myocytes which developed dilated cardiomyopathy. The system was validated first before myocyte contractile dynamics in two dimension were examined.