Optical mapping of the isolated coronary-perfused human sinus node.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

We sought to confirm our hypothesis that the human sinoatrial node (SAN) is functionally insulated from the surrounding atrial myocardium except for several exit pathways that electrically bridge the nodal tissue and atrial myocardium.

Background

The site of origin and pattern of excitation within the human SAN has not been directly mapped.

Methods

The SAN was optically mapped in coronary-perfused preparations from nonfailing human hearts (n = 4, age 54 ± 15 years) using the dye Di-4-ANBDQBS and blebbistatin. The SAN 3-dimensional structure was reconstructed using histology.

Results

Optical recordings from the SAN had diastolic depolarization and multiple upstroke components, which corresponded to the separate excitations of the SAN and atrial layers

SUBMITTER: Fedorov VV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3008584 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature