钾通道开放剂对长QT综合征LQT2模型的跨壁复极离散作用的实验研究

目的观察钾通道开放剂(吡那地尔)对LQT2模型心室肌细胞动作电位时程(APD)及跨壁复极离散(TDR)的作用及电生理变化的影响,为临床治疗LQT2的药物选择提供理论基础。方法采用标准玻璃微电极技术,以d-索他洛尔(Ikr阻断剂)模拟LQT2模型。结果d-索他洛尔(100μmol/L)使三层心肌细胞APD90均增加,但以M细胞APD80增加最为显著,结果使TDR增加。d-索他洛尔作用于M细胞,诱发早期后除极(EADs)和APD交替变异,而心内膜、外膜细胞则未见。吡那地尔(2-6μmol/L)呈浓度依赖性地缩短受d-索他洛尔影响而延长的三层细胞的APD,以M细胞为著,因此明显降低TDR,并且消除d-索他洛尔所产生的EADs及APD交替变异。结论对于Ikr缺陷所致的LQTs,钾通道开放剂可能有治疗作用。     

胺碘酮、索他洛尔与d-索他洛尔对犬心室肌细胞电生理作用的实验研究

目的分析胺碘酮、索他洛尔与d-索他洛尔对犬心室肌细胞电生理作用.方法采用标准玻璃微电极技术,观察胺碘酮、d,l-索他洛尔(即索他洛尔)与d-索他洛尔对犬心室肌细胞动作电位时程(APD)及跨壁复极离散(TDR)的作用,以研究三种药物不同的促心律失常发生率的机制.结果胺碘酮(5μM)对心室壁三层细胞APD作用不一,使M细胞的APD90缩短,而内、外膜的APD90延长,TDR降低.索他洛尔(100μM)使心室壁三层细胞APD90均延长,对M细胞APD延长更明显,使TDR增加.d-索他洛尔(100μM)使心室壁三层细胞APD90均增加,但以M细胞APD90增加最为显著,而且随着d-索他洛尔诱发早期后除极、APD交替变异发生,而在心室肌内、外膜细胞则未见上述变化.结论胺碘酮、索他洛尔及d-索他洛尔三种药物的不同促心律失常作用与其对心室TDR的作用不同有关.     

短QT间期发生室性心律失常的电生理机制探讨

目的了解短QT间期发生室性心律失常的电生理机制。方法应用吡那地尔在家兔左室楔形灌注组织建立短QT模型,利用标准玻璃微电极技术记录心外膜下、心内膜下及中层心肌细胞动作电位,并观测三层心肌细胞复极达90%的动作电位(APD90)及跨壁复极离散度(TDR)在吡那地尔、吡那地尔+异丙肾上腺素、奎尼丁、glybenclamide作用下的变化。采用S1S2程序刺激,观测在各种条件下心律失常的诱发状况。结果吡那地尔明显缩短APD90且伴有TDR增大(58.84±13.42ms vs35.26±13.30ms),并可诱发出异常心肌搏动。异丙肾上腺素可增大吡那地尔的该作用(64.60±21.46ms vs58.84±13.42ms),而奎尼丁和glybenclamide则可逆转吡那地尔的此作用,并减少异常搏动的发生。结论TDR增大可能是短QT综合征易于发生致命性心律失常的基础,而奎尼丁通过减小室壁心肌细胞的不均一性而对短QT综合征起到治疗作用。     

索他洛尔对兔在体心脏左心室壁心肌复极不均一性影响的实验研究

目的　观察索他洛尔对兔在体心脏左心室壁各层心肌复极的影响 ,以证实在体心肌 M细胞的存在 ,探讨其与心律失常的关系。　方法　采用单相动作电位 (m onophasic action potential,MAP)记录技术 ,同步记录 12只开胸兔左心室外膜心肌 (epicardium ,Epi)、中层心肌 (m id- myocardium ,Mid)和心内膜心肌 (endocardium ,Endo)的 MAP,静脉注射索他洛尔后 ,测量 3层心肌 MAP的复极时限和跨心室壁心肌复极离散度 (transm ural dispersion of repolarization,TDR)。　结果　 1用药前 Epi、Mid、Endo的 MAP10 0 %复极时限 (APD1 0 0 )分别为 (136± 16 )、(15 2± 19)、(15 0± 2 0 ) m s,TDR为 (17± 8) m s。每间隔 30 m in静脉注射索他洛尔 0 .5、1.0、1.5和 2 .0 m g· kg- 1后发现 ,索他洛尔剂量依赖性延长 3层心肌的 APD1 0 0 ,其中以延长 Mid的 APD1 0 0 更为明显 ,对 Epi和 Endo的 APD1 0 0 延长程度相近 ,使 TDR增加 ;至静脉注射 2 .0 mg· kg- 1 后 ,Epi、Mid、Endo的 APD1 0 0 分别为 (177± 30 )、(2 34± 32 )、(194± 30 ) ms,TDR为 (5 7± 15 ) ms(P <0 .0 5 ) ;2索他洛尔剂量依赖性地增加尖端扭转性室性心动过速 (torsade depointes,TDP)的发生率。　结论　在体兔心肌存在 M细胞。索他洛尔增加兔     

胺碘酮慢性作用对兔心室肌细胞L型钙通道电流和跨壁动作电位相关性研究

目的 从单个心室肌细胞L型钙通道电流时间常数(τ)和组织块跨壁动作电位复极90%时程(APD90),探讨胺碘酮慢性作用抗心律失常的可能细胞电生理机制.方法 健康兔口服胺碘酮80 mg·kg-1·d-1共4周,记录离体兔带血管心室肌组织块跨膜心室肌细胞动作电位后分离心室肌细胞,记录单细胞L型钙通道电流τ,比较对照组、胺碘酮组及索他洛尔组干预下τ与APD90比值(τ/APD90)变化.结果 对照组τ为(98±8)ms(n=10)、APD90为(220±10)ms(n=5)、τ/APD90为0.44±0.03.与对照组相比,胺碘酮组τ明显延长[为(164±8)ms,n=8,P＜0.05],APD90亦明显延长[为(321±12)ms,n=5,P＜0.05],τ/APD90较对照组增加(分别为0.51±0.03与0.44±0.03,P＜0.05).索他洛尔(3×10-5mmoL/L)组与对照组相比,τ明显延长[为(128±7)ms,n=8,P＜0.05],但因APD90延长较著[为(405±13)ms,n=4,P＜0.01],使τ/APD90较对照组明显减少(分别为0.32±0.05与0.44±0.03,P＜0.05).索他洛尔+胺碘酮组的τ为(150±12)ms、APD90为(355±11)ms(n=4),与索他洛尔组比较,τ/APD90增加(为0.44±0.02,P＜0.05),与对照组相比,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 心室肌细胞膜L型钙通道电流的τ/APD90大小与胺碘酮慢性作用相关,这为胺碘酮慢性作用的安全性提供了一种可能解释.     

索他洛尔对兔心肌电生理的影响

目的探讨索他洛尔口服后对兔左心室心肌细胞电生理的影响及其发生机制。方法建立冠状动脉灌注的兔左心室楔形心肌模型,应用心电图同步记录技术和浮置玻璃微电极技术,观察索他洛尔口服后兔内外两层心肌动作电位时程(action potential duration,APD)、Q-T间期及跨壁复极离散度(transmural dispersion of repolarization,TDR)的变化以及心律失常的发生。结果索他洛尔组兔内、外膜心肌细胞的APD、Q-T间期及TDR在不同刺激周长下均较对照组延长,且以内膜延长为主(均P0.05)。索他洛尔组兔心律失常发生率较对照组升高(P0.05)。结论索他洛尔可明显延长兔内、外膜心肌细胞的APD、Q-T间期,并可增大兔心肌细胞的TDR,在兔子模型中,应用索他洛尔容易导致心律失常发生。     

兔LQT2模型时空复极异质性变化与室性心律失常发生的关系

为探讨心室跨壁复极离散度(TDR)和动作电位时程(APD)恢复性质的变化在LQT2室性心律失常发生中的作用,笔者采用冠状动脉灌注的兔左室肌楔形组织块制备LQT2模型。标本随机分四组:对照组(标准台氏液灌注);LQT2模型(简称模型)组(100μmol/Ld,l-sotalol灌流);模型+低钾(3mmol/L)组和模型+低钾+维拉帕米(2μmol/L)组。观察不同基础周长(BCL)刺激(500,1000和2000ms)条件下,四组标本APD90、TDR和APD恢复性质的变化与室性心律失常发生的关系。结果:①在不同BCL条件下,与对照组相比,模型组、模型+低钾组及模型+低钾+维拉帕米组的内外膜心肌细胞的APD90均增大,以内膜心肌细胞的APD90增大显著,导致TDR增加。②BCL为500和1000ms时,与对照组相比,模型组、模型+低钾组的APD恢复曲线斜率显著增加,而模型+低钾+维拉帕米组,差异无显著性。③在BCL为1000和2000ms时,给予S1S2程序刺激,模型+低钾组尖端扭转性室性心动过速发生率为5/7。结论:TDR增大和APD恢复性质的变化在室性心律失常的发生中均起着重要的作用。     

从索他洛尔电生理作用评价其抗心律失常作用

从索他洛尔 (sotalol)电药理和电生理作用探索其抗心律失常机制。方法 :①采用经典的微电极方法和膜片钳技术观察sotalol对豚鼠心肌细胞动作电位时程 (APD)和膜离子流的作用 ;②运用心内膜单相动作电位 (MAP)技术观察sotalol对狗APD、有效不应期 (ERP)的影响 ;③监测药物浓度与QT间期关系。结果 :①索他洛尔对内向整流性钾流、钠内流、慢钙内流无影响 ,仅对延迟整流性钾流 (IK)有抑制作用 ;②索他洛尔可延长APD ,呈反转使用依赖 ;③静脉注射索他洛尔后 ,QTc ,APD90 和心室ERP均延长 ,缺血区心肌与非缺血区心肌对索他洛尔的反应一致 ;④QT间期随血药浓度升高而延长 ,血药浓度随剂量增大而上升。结论 :索他洛尔阻滞IK 外流、延长APD ,呈反转使用依赖。索他洛尔延长QTc与血药浓度呈正相关。因此 ,如能掌握索他洛尔特性 ,本药还不失为一安全有效的Ⅲ类抗心律失常药物。     

一种钾通道开放剂降低LQT1、LQT2和LQT3型长QT综合征透壁性复极化离散度和阻止尖端扭转型室速的作用

该研究的目的是用不同试剂模拟产生特发性LQTS的LQT1、LQT2与LQT3亚型,检测钾通道开放剂尼可地尔(nicorandil)对透壁性复极化离散度(TDR)与尖端扭转型室速(TdP)的作用。     

LQT2模型尖端扭转型室性心动过速的发生机制

目的探讨LQT2模型早期后除极(EAD)、跨壁折返以及尖端扭转型室性心动过速(Tdp)的发生机制。方法采用冠状小动脉灌注兔左室心肌楔形组织块标本,应用浮置玻璃微电极动作电位及ECG同步记录技术,以IKr阻断剂d-sotalol作为工具药模拟LQT2,并与延迟整流钾电流IK阻滞剂azimilide对比,观察两者对兔心内膜和外膜层心肌细胞动作电位时程(APD)、跨壁复极离散度(TDR)、EAD、R-on-T早搏和Tdp的作用。结果d-sotalol和azimilide均显著延长心内膜和外膜层心肌细胞APD和QT间期;d-sotalol显著增加TDR,诱发EAD、R-on-T早搏和自发性Tdp的发生率分别为7/7,7/7和3/7;azimilide不增加TDR和不形成跨壁折返,但可诱发EAD和R-on-T早搏。结论通过冠状小动脉灌注兔左室心肌组织块LQT2模型,发现整体心室肌组织在QT延长的条件下,2相EAD是触发并引起Tdp的机制;TDR增加是产生EAD和形成折返的基础。     

Cellular basis for long QT,transmural dispersion of repolarization,and torsade de pointes in the long QT syndrome

Genetic studies have identified four forms of congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) caused by mutations in ion channel genes located on chromosomes 3 (LQT3), 7 (LQT2), 11 (LQT1), and 21 (LQT5). Preliminary clinical studies have reported different phenotypic electrocardiographic patterns and different sensitivity to pacing or pharmacological therapy for each genotype. A transmural electrocardiogram and transmembrane action potentials from epicardial, M, and endocardial cells were simultaneously recorded from an arterially perfused wedge of canine left ventricle. Isoproterenol (100 nmol/L) in the presence of chromanol 293B (30 μmol/L), an I_Ks blocker (LQT1 model), produced a preferential prolongation of M-cell action potential duration (APD), resulting in an increase in transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR) and a broad-based T wave, as commonly seen in LQT1 patients. D-Sotalol (100 μmol/L), an I_Kr blocker (LQT2 model), and ATX-II (20 nmol/L), an agent that augments late I_Na (LQT3 model), also produced a preferential prolongation of M-cell APD, an increase in TDR, and low-amplitude T wave with a bifurcated appearance (LQT2), and late-appearing T wave (LQT3), respectively. APD-, QT-, and TDR-rate relations were much steeper in the LQT3 model than in either the LQT1 or LQT2 model, whereas the rate relations in the LQT1 and LQT2 models were both steeper than those under control conditions. Spontaneous and programmed electrical stimulation-induced torsade de pointes (TdP) were observed in all 3 models. Propranolol (1 μmol/L), a beta blocker, completely prevented the effect of isoproterenol to persistently or transiently increase TDR and to induce TdP in the LQT1 and LQT2 models, but facilitated TdP in the LQT3 model. Mexiletine, a class IB Na⁺ channel blocker, dose-dependently (2–20 μmol/L) abbreviated the QT and APD more in the LQT3 model, but decreased TDR and suppressed TdP in the 3 models.     

Prominent I(Ks) in epicardium and endocardium contributes to development of transmural dispersion of repolarization but protects against development of early afterdepolarizations

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies from our laboratory demonstrated (1) a much larger I(Ks) and (2) inability to induce early afterdepolarization (EAD) activity in epicardial and endocardial cells versus M cells. This study tests the hypothesis that these two characteristics are interrelated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Standard and floating microelectrode techniques were used to record transmembrane activity from the canine left ventricular epicardial, M, and endocardial regions in isolated tissue slices and arterially perfused wedge preparations. The I(Kr) blocker E-4031 (1 to 10 microM) caused prominent prolongation of action potential duration (APD) and induced EADs in tissues isolated from the M region, but not those from epicardium or endocardium, causing a large transmural dispersion of APD. In contrast, the I(Ks) blocker chromanol 293B (10 to 30 microM) produced moderate prolongation of APD without EADs in all three tissue types. The combination of E-4031 (1 microM) and chromanol 293B (30 microM) resulted in profound prolongation of APD and the development of EADs in all three tissue types. In the perfused wedge, neither E-4031 nor chromanol 293B alone could induce EADs. In combination, the two drugs caused significant prolongation of APD and EADs in all three transmural regions. CONCLUSION: Our results support the hypothesis that a prominent I(Ks) is responsible for the ability of epicardium and endocardium to resist some but not all of the arrhythmogenic effects of I(Kr) block. The data highlight the critical importance of I(Ks) in the canine heart and the significant role of electrotonic interactions in minimizing the development of an arrhythmogenic substrate when repolarization reserve is reduced.     

短QT间期综合征发生室性心律失常机制探讨

目的:探讨吡那地尔(pinacidil)建立的短QT间期综合征模型致室性心律失常的机制,并观察缝隙连接激动剂抗心律失常肽(AAP10)对该模型电生理参数的影响.方法:利用pinacidil灌注家兔楔形心肌块建立短QT间期综合征模型. 将20只新西兰长耳白兔随机分成pinacidil组和AAP10组,每组10只.pinacidil组灌流10 μmol/L的pinacidil,AAP10组灌流AAP10 500 nmol/l和pinacidil 10 μmol/L的混合液,同步记录灌流前后内外膜动作电位和容积心电图,观察灌流前后QT间期,跨室壁离散度(TDR),程序性刺激观察心肌组织不应期和室性心律失常的诱发情况.结果:灌流pinacidil后,QT间期从(291±19)ms缩到(232±19) ms (P<0.05),TDR从(44±12)ms减少到(22±7)ms(P<0.05),而不应期从(164±8)ms减少到(112±14)ms(P<0.05),室性心律失常发生率从0/10增加至8/10(P<0.05).AAP10 组和pinacidil组的TDR、QT间期、不应期及室性心律失常的诱发率无显著差别.结论:TDR减小和不应期的缩短可能是pinacidil建立的短QT间期模型致室性心律失常的基础,AAP10对pinacidil诱导的短QT间期综合征模型电不稳定性无明显影响.     

Effects of Alpha Adrenergic Stimulation and Blockade on Early Afterdepolarizations Induced by Cesium in Canine Cardiac Purkinje Fibers

Alpha Adrenergic Stimulation and EADs. The effects of alpha adrenergic stimulation and three alpha adrenoceptor blockers on early afterdepolarizations (EADs) were examined in canine card diac Purkinje fibers. In the first group of 18 preparations, EADs were induced by superfusion with 7.5 mM cesium (Cs) dissolved in low potassium (2.7 mM KCl) Tyrode's solution. During alpha adrenoceptor stimulation (norepinephrine 1 μM and propranolol 1 μM) to enhance EADs, the effects of phentotamine and two new alpha 1 adrenoceptor antagonists, benoxathian and WB 4101 (1, 3, and 10 μM), were examined. WB 4101 (1 μM) suppressed EADs in all six preparations. Benoxathian required 3 μM in five preparations and 10 μM in one to suppress EADs. Phentolamine (10 μM) suppressed EADs in two of six preparations. In the second group of 21 preparations, the effects on cesium-induced EADs of the three alpha adrenoceptor hlockers (10 μM) were examined without alpha adrenoceptor stimulation. WB 4101 (10 μM) suppressed EADs in seven of seven preparations, while benoxathian (10 μM) suppressed EADs in five of seven. Phentolamine (10 μM) enhanced EADs in six of seven preparations. In the third group of 24 Purkinje fibers, the direct effects (without alpha adrenoceptor stimulation) of these three antagonists on the characteristics of normal Purkinje fiber action potentials superfused with normal Tyrode's solution were examined. Phentolamine (1, 3, and 10 μM, n = 8) prolonged action potential duration at 90% repolarization (APD90) by 5.3%± 1.3%, 10.0%± 1.8%, and 14.3%± 2.7%, respectively. Benoxathian (n = 8) and WB 4101 (n = 8) shortened APD90 equally: 6.8%± 1.1% vs 7.7%± 1.3% at 1 μM, 13.6%± 1.0% vs 14.5%± 1.6% at 3 μM, and 21.1%± 1.2% vs 20.8%± 2.1% at 10 μM, respectively. We conclude that in cesium treated Purkinje fibers: (1) Alpha adrenoceptor stimulation enhanced EADs; (2) Phentolamine was least effective in suppressing EADs, probably because of a direct effect that prolonged MM)90,: and (3) Although benoxathian and WB 4101 had similar etTects on APD90, WB 4101 was more effective in suppressing EADs at lower concentrations than henoxathian.     

Cellular and ionic mechanism for drug-induced long QT syndrome and effectiveness of verapamil

OBJECTIVES: We examined the cellular and ionic mechanism for QT prolongation and subsequent Torsade de Pointes (TdP) and the effect of verapamil under conditions mimicking KCNQ1 (I(Ks) gene) defect linked to acquired long QT syndrome (LQTS). BACKGROUND: Agents with an I(Kr)-blocking effect often induce marked QT prolongation in patients with acquired LQTS. Previous reports demonstrated a relationship between subclinical mutations in cardiac K+ channel genes and a risk of drug-induced TdP. METHODS: Transmembrane action potentials from epicardial (EPI), midmyocardial (M), and endocardial (ENDO) cells were simultaneously recorded, together with a transmural electrocardiogram, at a basic cycle length of 2,000 ms in arterially perfused feline left ventricular preparations. RESULTS: The I(Kr) block (E-4031: 1 micromol/l) under control conditions (n = 5) prolonged the QT interval but neither increased transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR) nor induced arrhythmias. However, the I(Kr) blocker under conditions with I(Ks) suppression by chromanol 293B 10 micromol/l mimicking the KCNQ1 defect (n = 10) preferentially prolonged action potential duration (APD) in EPI rather than M or ENDO, thereby dramatically increasing the QT interval and TDR. Spontaneous or epinephrine-induced early afterdepolarizations (EADs) were observed in EPI, and subsequent TdP occurred only under both I(Ks) and I(Kr) suppression. Verapamil (0.1 to 5.0 micromol/l) dose-dependently abbreviated APD in EPI more than in M and ENDO, thereby significantly decreasing the QT interval, TDR, and suppressing EADs and TdP. CONCLUSIONS: Subclinical I(Ks) dysfunction could be a risk of drug-induced TdP. Verapamil is effective in decreasing the QT interval and TDR and in suppressing EADs, thus preventing TdP in the model of acquired LQTS.     

Effects of Sodium Channel Block with Mexiletine to Reverse Action Potential Prolongation in In Vitro Models of the Long QT Syndrome

Sodium Channel Block in In Vitro Models of LQTS. Introduction: Recent clinical studies have reported a greater effectiveness of sodium channel block with mexiletine to abbreviate the QT interval in patients with the chromosome 3 variant (SCN5A, LQT3) of the long QT syndrome (LQTS) than those with the chromosome 7 form of the disease (HERG, LQT2), suggesting the possibility of gene-specific therapy for the two distinct forms of the congenital LQTS. Experimental studies using the arterially perfused left ventricular wedge preparation have confirmed these clinical observations on the QT interval but have gone on to further demonstrate a potent effect of mexiletine to reduce dispersion of repolarization and prevent torsades de pointes (TdP) in both LQT2 and LQT3 models. A differential action of sodium channel block on the three ventricular cell types is thought to mediate these actions of mexiletine. This study provides a test of this hypothesis by examining the effects of mexiletine in isolated canine ventricular epicardial, endocardial, and M region tissues under conditions that mimic the SCN5A and HERG gene defects. Methods and Results: We used standard microelectrode techniques to record transmembrane activity from endocardial, epicardial, mid-myocardial, and transmural strips isolated from the canine left ventricle, d-Sotalol, an I_kr blocker, was used to mimic the HERG defect (LQT2), and ATX-II, which increases late Na channel current, was used to mimic the SCN5A defect (LQT3). d-Sotalol (100 μM) preferentially prolonged the action potential of the mid-myocardial M cell (APD₉₀, increased from 340 ± 65 to 623 ± 203 msec) as did ATX-II (10 to 20 nM; APD₉₀, increased from 325 ± 51 to 580 ± 178 msec; basic cycle length = 2000 msec), thus causing a marked increase in transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR). Mexiletine (2 to 20 μM) dose-dependently reversed the ATX-II-induced prolongation of APD₉₀, in all three cell types. Mexiletine also reversed the d-sotalol-induced prolongation of the M cell action potential duration (APD), but bad little effect on the action potential of epicardium and endocardium. Due to its preferential effect to abbreviate the action potential of M cells, mexiletine reduced the dispersion of repolarization in both models. Low concentrations of mexiletine (5 to 10 μM) totally suppressed early afterdepolarization (EAD) and KAD-induced triggered activity in both models. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the actions of mexiletine are both cell and model specific, but that sodium channel block with mexiletine is effective in reducing transmural differences in APD and in abolishing triggered activity induced by d-sotalol and ATX-II. The data suggest that mexiletine's actions to reduce TDR and prevent the induction of spontaneous and programmed stimulation-induced TdP in these models are due to a preferential effect of the drug to abbreviate the APD of the M cell and to suppress the development of EADs. The data provide further support for the hypothesis that block of the late sodium current may be of value in the treatment of LQT2 as well as LQT3 and perhaps other congenital and acquired (drug-induced) forms of LQTS.     

Action potential duration and QT interval during pinacidil infusion in isolated rabbit hearts

INTRODUCTION: Acute myocardial ischemia, which opens K(ATP) channel, is associated with shortened action potential duration (APD) but prolonged QT interval. This discrepancy has not been adequately explained. We hypothesize that the duration of intracellular calcium (Ca(i)) transient (DCaT) may play a role in determining QT interval. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed simultaneous optical mapping of voltage and Ca(i) in 15 isolated rabbit hearts during a K(ATP) channel opener (pinacidil) infusion. Anterior epicardial mapping (n = 7) showed no difference of APD(90), QT interval, and the DCaT(90) at baseline. When perfused with 80 microM pinacidil, the APD(90), the QT interval, and the DCaT(90) were 105 +/- 10 msec, 199 +/- 14 msec, and 189 +/- 13 msec, respectively, during right ventricular (RV) pacing (P < 0.05). Posterior epicardial mapping (n = 4) showed that the APD(90) was significantly (P < 0.05) shorter than QT interval and DCaT(90) during pinacidil infusion. The results of the transmural mapping studies (n = 4) showed that the QT interval during RV pacing was not different than the DCaT(90) in the epicardium, midmyocardium, and endocardium, but was significantly (P < 0.01) longer than the APD(90) in epicardium, midmyocardium, and endocardium, respectively. There was a good correlation between the DCaT(90) and QT interval at baseline (r = 0.92, P < 0.0001) and during pinacidil infusion (r = 0.74, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: We conclude that K(ATP) channel opening shortened APD but not the QT interval. Because Ca(i) did not return to diastolic level at the end of action potential, it may have created a heterogeneous membrane potential distribution that determined the QT interval.     

Transmural heterogeneity of the action potential configuration in the feline left ventricle.

There are M cells in the canine, rabbit, guinea pig, and human left ventricle (LV), but it is not known if they are present in the feline LV. Arterially perfused feline LV preparations were used for the recording of transmembrane action potentials from the epicardium (Epi), midmyocardium (M) and endomyocardium (Endo) under control conditions (n=12) and in the presence of I(Ks) blocker (chromanol 293B: 10 micromol/L, n=6) or I(Kr) blocker (E-4031: 2 micromol/L, n=6). The steady-state action potential duration at 90% repolarization and cycle length (APD90/CL) relation was obtained and fitted by the hyperbolic function APD(90) = CL/[(a x CL) + b]. In control, the shortest and longest action potential duration (APD) were observed in Epi and M, respectively, and the APD(90)/CL-relation curve was steeper in the M or Endo than in the Epi. Chromanol 293B prolonged APD in Epi, but not in M or Endo, resulting in no significant difference of the APD(90)/CL-relation curve among the 3 regions. E-4031 markedly, but homogeneously, prolonged APD in all regions, giving rise to decreased transmural dispersion of repolarization. In conclusion, there exists an M cell layer with a longer APD than the Epi and Endo layers and there is transmural electrical heterogeneity in the feline LV; however, the response to I(Kr) blocker is different from that of the canine LV probably because of species differences in the I(Kr) and I(Ks).