The influence of light on the beat rate variability of murine embryonic stem cell derived cardiomyocytes.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The human heart rhythm can be quantified by analyzing the heart rate variability (HRV). A major influencing factor of the HRV is the circadian rhythm. The ocular light and the hormone melatonin play decisive roles in the circadian rhythm. The beat rate variability (BRV) is considered to be the in vitro equivalent of the HRV. Previous studies have demonstrated the influence of melatonin on cardiomyocytes. Also, the influence of light on cardiomyocytes has been described before. Nevertheless, the effect of light on the BRV of cardiomyocytes has not yet been examined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The BRV of spontaneously beating cardiomyocytes was measured with microelectrode arrays over a time period of 30 min. The experiments were either performed with light exposure (with and without an infrared filter) or in complete darkness. RESULTS: The BRV was higher and the beating frequency was lower when the cardiomyocytes were exposed to the full spectrum of light, compared to the measurements in darkness as well as to the measurements with an infrared filter. In contrast, the differences of BRV between the measurements in darkness and the measurements with an infrared filter were not as distinct. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study demonstrating the influence of light on the beating rhythm of heart tissue in vitro. The results indicate that especially the infrared spectrum of light alters the BRV. These findings could be of interest for clinical applications such as the field of optical pacing as well as in neonatal patient care.