Anatomic localization and autonomic modulation of atrioventricular junctional rhythm in failing human hearts.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The structure-function relationship in the atrioventricular junction (AVJ) of various animal species has been investigated in detail; however, less is known about the human AVJ. In this study, we performed high-resolution optical mapping of the human AVJ (n = 6) to define its pacemaker properties and response to autonomic stimulation.

Methods and results

Isolated, coronary-perfused AVJ preparations from failing human hearts (n = 6, 53 ± 6 years) were optically mapped using the near-infrared, voltage-sensitive dye, di-4-ANBDQBS, with isoproterenol (1 μmol/L) and acetylcholine (1 μmol/L). An algorithm detecting multiple components of optical action potentials was used to reconstruct multilayered intramural AVJ activation and to identify specialized slow and fast con

SUBMITTER: Fedorov VV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3196522 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature