The Faculty of Pharmacy Masaryk University successfully hosted a specialized workshop titled “The Use of Isolated Heart Systems for Cardiovascular Research and Testing of New Antiarrhythmic Drugs,” which attracted those interested in modern experimental approaches in pharmaceutical and biomedical research. The course, offered as part of continuing education, provided a unique opportunity to gain insight into the world of ex vivo models and to gain hands-on experience working with an isolated heart system.
The workshop was led by Mgr. Ahmet Davut Aksu, MSc, a PhD candidate and instructor at the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology.
During the intensive programme, participants learned how the heart can function outside the body and the significance of this model for research into myocardial infarction, ventricular arrhythmias, and the development of new antiarrhythmic drugs. The workshop combined theoretical foundations with illustrative practical demonstrations—from inducing ischemia and ECG measurements to monitoring coronary blood flow and heart rate. As a result, participants gained not only new knowledge but also concrete methodological experience applicable to their own research or clinical practice.
The participants had the opportunity to see the beating Langendorff heart on the system and participated in all the steps of the heart preparation and insertion into the system. The heart was stabilized and working as they had the chance to see how the organ baths actually work in physiology research. They were very intrigued by the entire process, from cannulation of the rat heart, removal of external tissues, hanging the heart, application of regional ischemia, etc. Later, they also observed the application of arterial occlusion and induction of ventricular arrhythmias on isolated heart. The test substance was applied and the potential antiarrhytmic effect was evaluated. In the end, the participatns asked many questions and angaged in a fruitful discussion.
The course also reaffirmed the strong position of the Faculty of Pharmacy MU as an institution that combines cutting-edge experimental research with international education for the professional community. The programme was conducted in English, with participants from both Czechia and abroad, creating an inspiring international atmosphere and a space for sharing experiences across different countries.
Isolated heart models are now a key tool in pharmaceutical research—and this workshop allowed participants to experience their potential firsthand.
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