Redundant and diverse intranodal pacemakers and conduction pathways protect the human sinoatrial node from failure.

ABSTRACT: The human sinoatrial node (SAN) efficiently maintains heart rhythm even under adverse conditions. However, the specific mechanisms involved in the human SAN's ability to prevent rhythm failure, also referred to as its robustness, are unknown. Challenges exist because the three-dimensional (3D) intramural structure of the human SAN differs from well-studied animal models, and clinical electrode recordings are limited to only surface atrial activation. Hence, to innovate the translational study of human SAN structural and functional robustness, we integrated intramural optical mapping, 3D histology reconstruction, and molecular mapping of the ex vivo human heart. When challenged with adenosine or atrial pacing, redundant intranodal pacemakers within the human SAN maintained automaticity and

SUBMITTER: Li N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5775890 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature