In vitro culture of epicardial cells from adult zebrafish heart on a fibrin matrix

Nat Protoc. 2012 Jan 19;7(2):247-55. doi: 10.1038/nprot.2011.440.

Abstract

We describe here a protocol for culturing epicardial cells from adult zebrafish hearts, which have a unique regenerative capacity after injury. Briefly, zebrafish hearts first undergo ventricular amputation or sham operation. Next, the hearts are excised and explanted onto fibrin gels prepared in advance in a multiwell tissue culture plate. The procedure allows the epicardial cells to outgrow from the ventricle onto a fibrin matrix in vitro. This protocol differs from those used in other organisms by using a fibrin gel to mimic blood clots that normally form after injury and that are essential for proper cell migration. The culture procedure can be accomplished within 5 h; epicardial cells can be obtained within 24-48 h and can be maintained in culture for 5-6 d. This protocol can be used to investigate the mechanisms underlying epicardial cell migration, proliferation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition during heart regeneration, homeostatic cardiac growth or other physiological processes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Culture Techniques*
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Culture Media
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
  • Fibrin
  • Heart / physiology
  • Pericardium / cytology*
  • Regeneration
  • Tissue Culture Techniques
  • Zebrafish*

Substances

  • Culture Media
  • Fibrin