Onset of atrial arrhythmias elicited by autonomic modulation of rabbit sinoatrial node activity: a modeling study.

ABSTRACT: Neuronal modulation of the sinoatrial node (SAN) plays a crucial role in the initiation and maintenance of atrial arrhythmias (AF), although the exact mechanisms remain unclear. We used a computer model of a rabbit right atrium (RA) with a heterogeneous SAN and detailed ionic current descriptions for atrial and SAN myocytes to explore reentry initiation associated with autonomic activity. Heterogeneous acetylcholine (ACh)-dependent ionic responses along with L-type Ca current (I(Ca,L)) upregulation were incorporated in the SAN only. During control, activation was typical with the leading pacemaker site located close to the superior vena cava or the intercaval region. With cholinergic stimulation, activation patterns frequently included caudal shifts of the leading pacemaker site and occasi

SUBMITTER: Munoz MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3774554 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature