Measurement of left ventricular mass index (LVMI)
Immediately after all of the above measurements, the rat’s thorax was opened and the heart was quickly obtained. Upon rinsing with ice saline, the atria and right ventricular free wall were incised along the atrioventricular ring. After drying with filter paper, the remaining septum and left ventricular free wall were weighed as the LV mass. LVMI = LV mass/body weight (mg/g) [