Autonomic remodeling in the left atrium and pulmonary veins in heart failure: creation of a dynamic substrate for atrial fibrillation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is commonly associated with congestive heart failure (CHF). The autonomic nervous system is involved in the pathogenesis of both AF and CHF. We examined the role of autonomic remodeling in contributing to AF substrate in CHF.

Methods and results

Electrophysiological mapping was performed in the pulmonary veins and left atrium in 38 rapid ventricular-paced dogs (CHF group) and 39 control dogs under the following conditions: vagal stimulation, isoproterenol infusion, β-adrenergic blockade, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition (physostigmine), parasympathetic blockade, and double autonomic blockade. Explanted atria were examined for nerve density/distribution, muscarinic receptor and β-adrenergic receptor densities, and AChE activity. In CH

SUBMITTER: Ng J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3607326 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature