In vivo Technique for Cellular Calcium Waves Documentation: A Light Microscopy Method

BACKGROUND: We are introducing a novel in vivo technique to document cellular calcium deposits, which reflect a snapshot of the effect of calcium wave propagation. This technique however is not advocated enough to replace the accuracy and resolution of the confocal laser technique. Light microscopy equipment, calcium chelators and a histological calcium staining kit are essential. AIMS: The purpose of this study is to introduce the use of standard light microscopy to display in vivo ionic cellular calcium deposits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oxalic Acid (OA) (100 millimol) was the calcium chelator used in the study. This substance was injected into the dog right atrial tissue in vivo in an area of 1 cm(2). Samples were fixed and stained by the calcium specific von Kossa protocol. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Histological slides demarcated the intracellular calcium as black dots. Heterogeneity of calcium deposits mimicked images of both, the calcium sparks and calcium waves theories. This light microscopy technique could expand the number of experimental studies in the function of cellular calcium physiology.