Heart in a dish: A stable in vitro model of continuously beating human myocardium

In vitro models incorporating the complexity and function of adult human tissues are an integral part of efficient translational research. Whilst vital slices of human myocardium approach these demands, the rapid degeneration occurring under current tissue culture conditions preclude long-term experimentation.Here, we report preservation of structure and performance of human myocardium under conditions of physiological preload, contractility and compliance provided by computer-controlled biomimetic culture chambers. Tissue slices were prepared from explanted failing human hearts. Contractile force and continuous beating were monitored and maintained in biomimetic culture for up to 4 months or 2.000.000 beats in vitro. Programmed stimulation was used to repeatedly determine refractory periods thereby permitting sensitive analysis of slowly evolving effects of the hERG-inhibitor pentamidine on cardiac repolarization.Biomimetic tissue culture of cardiac slices is a novel research tool that will provide new opportunities to study drug targets, gene functions, and cellular plasticity in adult human myocardium.