Electrophysiology and arrhythmogenic activity of single cardiomyocytes from canine superior vena cava

Yi Jen Chen, Yao Chang Chen, Hung I. Yeh, Cheng I. Lin, Shih Ann Chen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

93 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background - The superior vena cava (SVC) has been proved to be a focal point in the initiation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The autonomic nervous system plays an important role in the genesis of atrial fibrillation. However, the arrhythmogenic potentials of SVC and its responses to autonomic agents are not clear. The purpose of this study was to isolate single SVC cardiomyocytes and to investigate their electrophysiological characteristics, as well as the direct effects of autonomic agents. Methods and Results - Canine SVC cardiomyocytes were isolated by perfusion with digestive enzymes. The action potentials and ionic currents were investigated in single SVC cardiomyocytes using the whole-cell clamp technique. Dissociation of the SVC yielded rod-shaped single cardiomyocytes with (n=74, 51%) or without (n=71, 49%) pacemaker activities. There were similar densities of inward Ca2+, delayed rectifier K+, transient inward, inward rectifier K+, and pacemaker currents between SVC cardiomyocytes with and without pacemaker activity. SVC cardiomyocytes with pacemaker activity have, however, greater transient outward currents than those without pacemaker activity. In SVC cardiomyocytes, acetylcholine (5.5 μmol/L) abolished the spontaneous activities, but isoproterenol (10 nmol/L), atropine (10μmol/L), and phenylephrine (10μmol/L) accelerated the spontaneous activity and induced the occurrences of early or delayed afterdepolarizations. Conclusions - These findings suggest that SVC cardiomyocytes have distinct action potentials and ionic current profiles that may be responsible for the arrhythmogenic activity of the SVC.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2679-2685
Number of pages7
JournalCirculation
Volume105
Issue number22
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 5 2002

Keywords

  • Drugs
  • Fibrillation
  • Ion channels
  • Veins

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Physiology (medical)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Electrophysiology and arrhythmogenic activity of single cardiomyocytes from canine superior vena cava'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this