Complex interactions between the sinoatrial node and atrium during reentrant arrhythmias in the canine heart.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Numerous studies implicate the sinoatrial node (SAN) as a participant in atrial arrhythmias, including atrial flutter (AFL) and atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the direct role of the SAN has never been described.

Methods and results

The SAN was optically mapped in coronary perfused preparations from normal canine hearts (n=17). Optical action potentials were recorded during spontaneous rhythm, overdrive atrial pacing, and AF/AFL induced by acetylcholine (ACh; 0.3 to 3 micromol/L) and/or isoproterenol (Iso; 0.2 to 1 micromol/L). An optical action potential multiple component algorithm and dominant frequency analysis were used to reconstruct SAN activation and to identify specialized sinoatrial conduction pathways. Both ACh and Iso facilitated pacing-induced AF/A

SUBMITTER: Fedorov VV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3001400 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature