Microcomputer acquisition and analysis system for the isolated working heart preparation.

An automated data acquisition and analysis system based on a microcomputer (Apple II Plus) is described. The system was developed and used to collect and analyze data from rat working heart preparations. The system eases both data acquisition and calculation of derived parameters. Certain sources of error in these calculations are eliminated. The methods and formulae used to obtain various parameters of cardiac function are detailed. In addition, sample data are shown for the effect of thyroid hormone pretreatment on rate of left ventricular pressure development in the rat working heart.