窦房结脂肪垫对犬右上肺静脉电生理特性影响的研究

目的研究不同水平刺激窦房结脂肪垫(SANFP)对右房(RA)及右上肺静脉(RSPV)的有效不应期(ERP)及心房颤动(简称房颤)诱发率的影响,探讨SANFP对房颤发生维持的作用。方法6只犬麻醉后经右侧开胸暴露RSPV及SANFP,以0.6～2,5,8mV三种不同电压强度水平、60ms频率刺激SANFP,同时以S1S2刺激观察三种水平下RA游离壁远、中、近端及RSPV远、中、近端ERP的变化;同样方法刺激SANFP以S1S1和S1S2程序刺激诱发房颤,测定房颤的诱发率。结果以5mV电压刺激窦房结脂肪垫RSPV近端ERP较基础时明显缩短(90±24msvs109±16ms,P<0.05),其房颤诱发率50%;以5,8mV电压刺激SANFP时RA游离壁近端、中端ERP变化较基础时明显缩短(96±20msvs117±14ms,65±20msvs117±14ms,P均<0.05),其房颤诱发率100%。结论窦房结脂肪垫可能在肺静脉起源的房颤的诱发和维持中起了重要作用。     

肺静脉隔离对迷走神经对心房电生理特性调节及对心房颤动易感性的影响

目的越来越多的证据表明肺静脉隔离(PVI)不仅去除了心房颤动(房颤)的触发病灶,也可能改变了房颤赖以维持的物质基础,但PVI如何改变了房颤的维持机制的研究较少.研究目的在于PVI对迷走神经对心房电生理特性调节及对房颤易感性的影响.方法11只成年杂种犬,全麻及机械通气下行颈部交感-迷走神经干剥离术,经右颈内静脉穿刺术放置右心室及冠状窦导管,经左股静脉放置右心房导管,经房间膈穿刺途径放置消融及标测导管于左心房.静脉应用普萘洛尔阻断交感神经活性.分别于肺静脉消融前后在基础状态及迷走神经刺激时测量右心耳(RAA)、左心房游离壁(LAFW)、冠状窦近段(CSP)及冠状窦远端(CSD)的不应期(ERP)及心房易感窗口(VW).不应期缩短值为基础状态下的ERP与迷走神经刺激时的ERP的差值,VW定义为引起房性早搏或房颤的最长与最短S1S2间期的差值.结果(1)有效不应期的变化消融术前,迷走神经刺激能明显缩短心脏各部位的ERP.消融术后,左心房内迷走神经刺激所致的ERP缩短值明显降低[LAFW(43.64±21.57)ms与(11.82±9.82)ms,78,P＜0.001;CSP(50.91±26.25)ms与(11.82±14.01)ms,P＜0.001;CSD(50±31.94)ms与(17.27±20.54)ms,P＜0.005]右心房内变化不明显[(58.18±28.22)ms与(50.91±22.12)ms,P=0.245].(2)VW的变化消融术后,基础状态下测得的VW无明显变化[RAA(32.5±37.32)ms与(21.25±27.48)ms LAFW(31.25±28.5)ms与(35±35.46)msCSP(20±23.3)ms与(22.5±26.05)ms;CSD(30±32.95)ms与(27.5±31.51)ms.P=0.21-0.74],而迷走神经刺激时左房内测得的VW明显降低[LAFW(36.25±11.88)ms与(11.25±16.42)msP＜0.001;CSP(52.5±19.82)ms与(13.75±19.96)msP＜0.005;CSD(43.75±19.23)mS与(17.5±19.82)ms,P＜0.05],右心房内无明显变化[(52.5±22.52)ms与(42.5±10.35)ms,P=0.316].结论PVI能导致左心房(包括冠心窦)去迷走神经反应,引起迷走神经刺激时的心房不应期延长及心房易感窗口缩短.提示PVI所致的左心房去迷走神经反应可能为PVI改变房颤赖以维持的物质基础的机制之一.     

心房颤动导管消融术中迷走反射时肺静脉和心房电位周长的变化

目的评价心房颤动(简称房颤)导管消融过程中迷走反射对肺静脉和心房电位周长的影响。方法分析行环肺静脉消融且术中发生迷走反射的12例房颤患者(阵发性房颤10例,持续性房颤2例)心内电生理记录资料。分别测定迷走反射前10s、迷走反射过程中以及迷走反射后60s时的靶肺静脉电位和冠状静脉窦心房电位平均周长(PVCL及CSCL)。结果12例中5例消融时为房颤心律,迷走反射时平均最长RR间期为4025.42±1774.35ms。这5例中,迷走反射时PVCL及CSCL较迷走反射前明显缩短(分别为168.80±47.00msvs174.80±46.41ms;176.80±43.03msvs181.80±40.90ms,P均<0.05)。消融时为窦性心律者中,迷走反射后PVCL及CSCL较迷走反射前明显缩短(分别为882.86±86.74msvs1267.14±214.53ms,880.00±92.92msvs1261.43±209.95ms,P均<0.05)。结论房颤导管消融过程中迷走神经兴奋时,肺静脉和冠状静脉窦心房颤动波周长明显缩短,提示迷走神经兴奋可能在驱动或者加速肺静脉电位传导中起一定作用。     

射频消融心外膜脂肪垫治疗犬肺静脉左房交界处起源的心房颤动

目的探讨射频消融心外膜脂肪垫对左房-肺静脉交界触发的局灶性心房颤动(简称房颤)治疗的有效性。方法成年杂种犬10只,心外膜脂肪垫注射氯化乙酰胆碱(Ach)+左房短阵快速电刺激诱发犬左房-肺静脉交界触发的局灶性房颤模型。4极电极分别缝置于左房、右房、左肺静脉与左房交界处,记录最快激动部位。直视下射频消融心外膜脂肪垫。于房颤模型建立前后,及消融脂肪垫后测量左、右房有效不应期(ERP),肺静脉-左房交界处ERP、计算房颤诱发率。术毕处死实验犬行组织学检查。结果所有犬均能通过脂肪垫注射氯化Ach+左房短阵快速电刺激诱发出左房-肺静脉交界触发的局灶性房颤,建模后左房、右房、肺静脉-左房交界处的ERP均较建模前显著缩短(分别为94±33 ms vs 139±9 ms,104±17 ms vs 137±9 ms,104±17 ms vs 137±9 ms;P均<0.01)。脂肪垫消融后房颤诱发率与消融前比较显著降低(45%±16%vs 86%±4%,P均<0.01);左房、右房ERP无变化,肺静脉-左房交界处不应期显著延长(137±8 ms vs 104±17 ms,P<0.01)。组织学未发现除脂肪垫外的其它消融损伤灶。结论射频消融心外膜脂肪垫对肺静脉-左房交界触发的局灶性房颤治疗有效。     

肺静脉隔离对迷走神经功能及心房颤动易感性的影响

目的研究肺静脉隔离(PVI)对犬的心房迷走神经功能及心房颤动(简称房颤)易感性的影响。方法9条成年杂种犬,全麻下行颈交感-迷走神经干剥离术。静脉应用美托洛尔阻断交感神经活性。分别于肺静脉消融前后在基础状态及迷走神经刺激时测量窦性周长(SCL)、右心耳(RAA)、左心耳(LAA)、冠状静脉窦近端(CSp)和冠状静脉窦远端(CSd)的不应期(ERP)及心房易感窗口(VW)。结果①PVI前迷走神经刺激能明显降低SCL(P<0.001),PVI后迷走神经刺激对SCL影响较小(P>0.05)。②PVI前,迷走神经刺激能明显缩短心房各部位ERP(P均<0.05)。PVI后,迷走神经刺激对心房ERP的影响较小(P均>0.05)。③PVI前后基础状态下测得的VW无变化。PVI后迷走神经介导的房颤诱发率明显下降(P均<0.05)。结论PVI能导致迷走神经介导的窦房结抑制、心房不应期缩短能力及房颤易感窗口增加能力明显下降。     

经心外膜聚焦超声环肺静脉消融与左房盒式消融治疗犬心房颤动的比较研究

目的探讨聚焦超声经心外膜的环肺静脉消融(CPVa)和左房盒式消融(BOXa)两种不同术式对心房颤动(简称房颤)的影响。方法成年杂种犬20只,随机分为两组,建立肺静脉起源的阵发性房颤模型后,直视下分别行CPVa和BOXa。测定消融前、后左房有效不应期(LAERP)、计算房颤诱发率、房颤持续时间,术毕行组织学检查。结果所有犬均能诱发出肺静脉起源的阵发性房颤,房颤终止后的LAERP较基线水平显著缩短(CPVa组:140±10msvs102±10ms;BOXa组:139±11msvs105±8ms;P均<0.01),但消融前后的LAERP并无显著性差异。消融后两组的房颤诱发率均较消融前显著降低(CPVa组:98%vs28%;BOXa组:97%vs14%;P均<0.01),房颤持续时间均显著缩短(CPVa组:233±40svs70±29s;BOXa组:240±41svs34±22s;P均<0.01);部分犬可见肺静脉-心房双向电传导阻滞;消融后BOXa组房颤诱发率和房颤持续时间低于/短于CPVa组(P<0.05)。消融后焦域内的组织呈凝固性坏死。结论经心外膜聚焦超声CPVa可显著降低房颤诱发率和缩短房颤持续时间,而BOXa则可进一步提高成功率。     

心脏血管内迷走神经丛刺激与阵发性心房颤动的动物模型制作

探讨心脏血管内迷走神经丛刺激与阵发性心房颤动 (简称房颤 )的动物模型制作。 32条Mongrel狗活体心脏大血管 :冠状窦、左右肺动脉、左房、上下腔静脉等处插入 7F蓝状电极进行迷走神经丛刺激 ,刺激频率为 2 0Hz,刺激间期 0 .1ms,刺激电压 1～ 4 0V ,刺激时间 30～ 5 0s。为了避免神经丛刺激直接对心房的影响 ,于刺激迷走神经丛的同时在P波后发放 2 0 0Hz、2 0～ 5 0ms的PS2 心房高频刺激 ,使迷走神经刺激落入心房的不应期。在这些心脏血管迷走神经丛刺激时减慢窦性心律 ,且减慢速度呈电压依赖。在一定的刺激强度下 ,窦性心律能够达到最大减低 (从75 0± 10 2ms至 15 6 0± 2 30ms) ,心房肌不应期显著缩短 (从 175± 13ms缩至 96± 2 3ms) ,同时出现房性早搏、房性心动过速和房颤 ,且重复性很好。应用 β 阻断剂 (esmolol1mg/kg)时 ,提高了房颤诱发域值 ;迷走神经阻断剂 (atropine1～ 2mg/kg)可以完全阻断房颤的诱发。结论 :蓝状电极非常有利于快速在静脉血管腔内找到迷走神经丛刺激位点 ;心脏大血管处存在迷走神经丛 ,刺激这些神经丛能够复制出与临床灶性阵发性房颤非常类同的房颤 ,迷走神经阻断剂可阻断这类房颤的诱发。     

迷走神经和肺静脉刺激对心房肌动作电位和乙酰胆碱激活钾电流的影响

目的研究迷走神经和肺静脉快速刺激对心房肌动作电位和乙酰胆碱激活钾电流的影响。方法24只犬随机分为3组,每组8只犬。对照组：采用20Hz频率和0．2ms波宽刺激迷走神经,观察诱发心房颤动（房颤）情况。左上肺静脉（LSPV）刺激组：快速刺激LSPV4h,观察刺激前后左有心房和LSPV动作电位时限（APD）的变化,随后行迷走神经刺激,观察诱发房颤情况。迷走神经干预组：先采用5Hz频率、0．2ms波宽和5～10V电压刺激迷走神经30min,然后快速刺激LSPV4h,观察刺激前后APD的变化,冉迷走神经刺激观察诱发房颤情况。所有犬在电生理检测后开胸取心脏,分离LSPV和左右心房肌细胞,采用膜片钳技术观察乙酰胆碱激活钾电流（IK,ACh）变化。结果LSPV刺激组,APD。明显缩短,动作电位时限高散度（dAPD90）明显增加[（5±3）msVS（14±5）ms,P〈0．05]。迷走神经干预组,APD。无明显变化,但APD90-d明显增加[（6±3）mvs vs（12±5）ms,P〈0．05]。与对照组相比,LSPV刺激组细胞Ik、ACh明显增加,但对照组与迷走神经干预组相比,IK．ACh差异无统计学意义。结论APD缩短是胆碱能房颤诱发的基础,肺静脉快速刺激可增加IK．ACh密度,快速刺激前行迷走神经能阻止电重构的发生。     

去自主神经条件下迷走神经对肺静脉不同部位房颤诱发阈值的影响

目的研究去自主神经条件下迷走神经对肺静脉不同部位房颤诱发阈值的影响。方法于2004年10月至2005年5月对北京大学人民医院心脏电生理室的10只健康杂种犬进行了电生理实验。所有动物均经切断双侧颈迷走神经干和破坏颈交感神经节,建立犬的去自主神经模型。分别在右心耳(RAA)、左心耳(LAA)、左房(LA)和四支肺静脉的近、中、远段行burst刺激,刺激周长S1S1为80ms,脉宽为0.5ms,在仅改变电压刺激强度的情况下,观察迷走神经对肺静脉不同部位房颤诱发阈值的影响。结果当行双侧颈迷走神经刺激时,在心房及肺静脉的所有部位,房颤诱发阈值均有不同程度的下降,且在4支肺静脉的远段表现为差异有显著性(P<0.05和P<0.01),而阿托品则可消除这种变化。结论对于肺静脉起源的房颤,迷走神经不仅参与房颤的维持,而且也可能是参与其起始的重要诱发因素。     

迷走神经刺激和乙酰胆碱灌注对心房肌电生理特性的影响

研究在体情况下迷走神经刺激(VNS)和乙酰胆碱(Ach)灌注对心房肌不同部位的电生理影响,并探讨其诱发心房颤动(AF)的机制。10只杂种犬自身随机对照,运用单相动作电位(MAP)记录技术,同步记录10只开胸犬的右心耳(RAA)、高位右房(HRA)、低位右房(LRA)、左心耳(LAA)、高位左房(HLA)、低位左房(LLA)的MAP,分别给予切断迷走神经、VNS、Ach灌注(分别做为对照组、VNS刺激组、Ach灌注组)后,观察诱发AF的情况和动作电位时程APD50、APD90和APD离散(dAPD)的变化。结果:10只犬在VNS刺激和Ach灌注同时,右心耳单一刺激分别有7只和6只犬诱发AF;VNS明显缩短APD50、APD90,其中RAA缩短最明显(APD50从72±5ms到19±4ms,APD90从136±7ms到43±5ms,P<0.001);Ach灌注也明显缩短APD50和APD90,与VNS相比,LLA的APD90缩短更明显(47±6msvs62±8ms,P<0.01);VNS明显升高心房肌APD50和APD90的离散(17±5msvs7±3ms,25±7msvs8±5ms,P<0.01)。结论:VNS和Ach灌注可引起APD缩短和离散升高,但影响的部位和程度稍有差异,都易诱发AF。     

Impact of Pharmacological Autonomic Blockade on Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrograms

Autonomic Blockade During Atrial Fibrillation . Introduction: The influence of the autonomic nervous system on the pathogenesis of complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) during atrial fibrillation (AF) is incompletely understood. This study evaluated the impact of pharmacological autonomic blockade on CFAE characteristics. Methods and Results: Autonomic blockade was achieved with propanolol and atropine in 29 patients during AF. Three‐dimensional maps of the fractionation degree were made before and after autonomic blockade using the Ensite Navx^® system. In 2 patients, AF terminated following autonomic blockade. In the remaining 27 patients, 20,113 electrogram samples of 5 seconds duration were collected randomly throughout the left atrium (10,054 at baseline and 10,059 after autonomic blockade). The impact of autonomic blockade on fractionation was assessed by blinded investigators and related to the type of AF and AF cycle length. Globally, CFAE as a proportion of all atrial electrogram samples were reduced after autonomic blockade: 61.6 ± 20.3% versus 57.9 ± 23.7%, P = 0.027. This was true/significant for paroxysmal AF (47 ± 23% vs 40 ± 22%, P = 0.003), but not for persistent AF (65 ± 22% vs 62 ± 25%, respectively, P = 0.166). Left atrial AF cycle length prolonged with autonomic blockade from 170 ± 33 ms to 180 ± 40 ms (P = 0.001). Fractionation decreases only in the 14 of 27 patients with a significant (>6 ms) prolongation of the AF cycle length (64 ± 20% vs 59 ± 24%, P = 0.027), whereas fractionation did not reduce when autonomic blockade did not affect the AF cycle length (58 ± 21% vs 56 ± 25%, P = 0.419). Conclusions: Pharmacological autonomic blockade reduces CFAE in paroxysmal AF, but not persistent AF. This effect appears to be mediated by prolongation of the AF cycle length. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. pp. 766‐772, July 2010)     

Differential effect of pharmacological autonomic blockade on some electrophysiological properties of the human ventricle and atrium.

OBJECTIVE--This study investigated the dominance of each limb of the autonomic nervous system and tested sympathetic-vagal interactions in the human ventricle and atrium after administration of propranolol and atropine. PATIENTS AND METHODS--The 90% monophasic action potential duration (MAPD90) and the effective refractory period (ERP) at the right ventricular apex (RV) and the right lateral atrium (RA) were measured in 14 patients. The MAPD90 was measured during constant RV and RA pacing (cycle length 600 ms) and the ERP was measured at a driven cycle length of 600 ms. Electrophysiological variables were measured during a control period, after propranolol (0.15 mg/kg loading dose followed by 0.1 mg/min infusion), and after autonomic blockade (atropine 0.04 mg/kg). RESULTS--Both RV MAPD90 and RV ERP increased after propranolol (RV MAPD90 from 268 (26) ms to 275 (26) ms, p < 0.005; RV ERP from 252 (25) ms to 258 (26) ms, p < 0.0005) and then decreased to below the control values after autonomic blockade (RV MAPD90 256 (24) ms; RV ERP 239 (25) ms, p < 0.0005 v propranolol, p < 0.0005 v control). In contrast, both RA MAPD90 and RA ERP increased after propranolol (RA MAPD90 from 242 (19) ms to 260 (19) ms; RA ERP from 216 (21) ms to 230 (18) ms, p < 0.0005), and then increased slightly more after autonomic blockade (RA MAPD90 265 (16) ms, p = 0.09; RA ERP 235 (16) ms, p = 0.07), thus remaining above control values (p < 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS--The results indicate (a) that in the human ventricle vagal stimulation and sympathetic beta stimulation are antagonistic and that direct vagal stimulation predominates over beta stimulation, with sympathetic-vagal interaction being minimal and (b) that in the human atrium vagal stimulation and beta stimulation are synergistic and beta stimulation predominates over vagal stimulation, with direct vagal stimulation having a minimal effect.     

Failing Hearts Are More Vulnerable to Sympathetic,but Not Vagal Stimulation–Induced,Atrial Fibrillation—Ameliorated with Dantrolene Treatment

Background

Both vagal (VS) and sympathetic (SS) stimulations can increase atrial fibrillation (AF) inducibility, with VS being known as more arrhythmogenic in normal hearts. Heart failure (HF) results in autonomic dysfunction (characterized by sympathetic activation and vagal withdrawal) and is associated with an increased AF incidence. This study investigated whether failing hearts, compared with normal control hearts, respond differently to autonomic stimulation–induced AF arrhythmogenesis and the effect of dantrolene on SS-enhanced AF in HF.

Acute electrophysiological modulation of the atria and pulmonary veins: effects of sympathetic and parasympathetic interaction on atrial fibrillation inducibility

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a complex disease with multiple mechanisms, involving the interaction between the autonomic nervous system (ANS), electrophysiological properties of the atria and pulmonary veins (PVs), and vulnerability for AF.AimWe assessed the effects of acute vagal (vagus_stim) and sympathetic stimulation (symp_stim) on atrial conduction, atrial and PV refractoriness and inducibility of AF in an in vivo rabbit model with preserved autonomic innervation.MethodsAn open-epicardial approach was used in 17 anesthetized and artificially ventilated New Zealand white rabbits. The ECG was recorded with bipolar subcutaneous electrodes placed in the four limbs. Electrograms were obtained with four monopolar electrodes placed epicardially along the atria, and a circular electrode adapted to the proximal PVs. The cervical vagus nerve and thoracic sympathetic trunk were stimulated with bipolar electrodes. Epicardial activation was recorded in sinus rhythm, and effective refractory periods (ERPs) and conduction times from the high-lateral right atrium (RA) to the high-lateral left atrium (LA) and PVs were quantified at baseline and during vagus_stim, symp_stim, or combined vagal and sympathetic stimulation (dual_stim). Burst pacing (50 Hz, 10 s), alone or combined with vagus_stim, symp_stim or dual_stim, was performed in the right (RAA) and left atrial appendage (LAA) and PVs to test for AF inducibility.ResultsAt baseline, ERPs were higher in the LAA and there was a delay in the conduction time from RA to PV, compared to the mean activation time from RA to LA. During vagus_stim or dual_stim, ERP decreased significantly at all sites, and baseline interatrial activation times changed from 20 ± 4 ms to 30 ± 10 ms and 31 ± 11 ms, respectively (p<0.05). Symp_stim resulted in a significant decrease in ERPs only in the LAA, and a reduction of the interatrial interval to 16 ± 11 ms (p<0.05 vs baseline). AF inducibility ranged from 35% to 53% with baseline 50 Hz pacing, 65% to 76% during vagus_stim or symp_stim, and 75% to 100% with dual_stim (p<0.05). AF duration increased significantly during ANS stimulation. In two-thirds of the animals with longer inducible AF, the arrhythmia ceased immediately after cessation of vagus_stim.ConclusionsIn the fully innervated rabbit heart in vivo, acute ANS stimulation shortens atrial and PV refractoriness, and significantly changes atrial conduction times, promoting AF induction and prolonging the arrhythmia. This underscores the importance of acute variations in ANS tone and its interactions in the pathophysiology of AF.     

山羊心房颤动进展过程中肺静脉与左房电生理变化的比较

目的比较山羊心房颤动(简称房颤)进展过程中肺静脉与左房电生理变化的差异。方法在12只山羊的左房游离壁及左上肺静脉外膜缝合电极片,心房快速刺激,诱发维持时间超过24h的持续性房颤。定期终止刺激,测量不同基础起搏周长时的左房及肺静脉的有效不应期(ERP),同时记录在测量ERP时的房颤诱发情况。结果9只山羊完成实验,均在5~14d内诱发出持续性房颤。基础状态下左房和肺静脉的ERP无显著差异;随着刺激时间的延长,ERP均逐渐缩短(P<0.05),并出现ERP频率适应性丧失,但两者间无显著差异;随着房颤持续时间的延长,肺静脉与左房的房颤诱发率逐渐增高(P<0.05),但两者之间无显著性差异。结论在房颤进展过程中,肺静脉和左房ERP缩短,房颤诱发率增高,但两者无明显差异。     

Effects of autonomic stimulation and blockade on signal-averaged P wave duration

Objectives. This study sought to evaluate the effects of autonomic stimulation and blockade on the signal-averaged P wave duration.Background. Signal-averaged P wave duration has been shown to have prognostic implications for patients prone to develop atrial fibrillation, but autonomic influences on the signal-averaged P wave duration have not been studied.Methods. In 14 healthy volunteers (8 men, 6 women; mean [±SD] age 28.5 ± 4.8 years, range 22 to 38), signal-averaged P wave duration was measured on day 1 at baseline, during sympathetic stimulation with infusions of epinephrine (50 ng/kg body weight per min) and isoproterenol (50 ng/kg per min), beta-blockade with propranolol (0.2 mg/kg) and autonomic blockade with propranolol followed by atropine (0.04 mg/kg). On a second day, 10 of the 14 subjects returned for repeat baseline recordings and recordings during parasympathetic blockade with atropine (0.04 mg/kg). Signal averaging was performed using a P wave template. Both unfiltered and filtered (least-squares fit filter with 100-ms window) P wave durations were measured. Day to day and interobserver variability were assessed by calculation of intraclass correlation coefficients.Results. The mean (±SD) baseline filtered P wave duration on day 1 was 141 ± 10 ms. Isoproterenol infusion significantly shortened the P wave duration to 110 ± 16 ms (p < 0.001), and epinephrine resulted in significant prolongation to 150 ± 10 ms (p < 0.05). Beta-adrenergic blockade increased the P wave duration to 153 ± 10 ms (p < 0.005). Autonomic blockade shortened the P wave duration to 143 ± 16 ms (p < 0.05 vs. beta-blockade). On the second day, the mean baseline P wave duration was slightly longer (144 ± 10 ms, p < 0.02). Parasympathetic blockade with atropine resulted in mild shortening of the P wave duration to 136 ± 15 ms (p < 0.1). Interobserver reproducibility was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.99). Day to day reproducibility was good (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.56).Conclusions. The signal-averaged P wave duration is not a fixed variable because it may change significantly under different autonomic conditions. This has important implications for the application of this test to the heterogeneous population susceptible to atrial fibrillation.     

Unique autonomic profile of the pulmonary veins and posterior left atrium.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the electrophysiologic profile of the pulmonary veins (PVs) and left atrium (LA) in response to autonomic manipulation. BACKGROUND: The parasympathetic innervation of the PVs and posterior left atrium (PLA) is thought to contribute to focal atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesized that autonomic effects would be more prominent in these regions. METHODS: In 14 dogs, epicardial mapping was performed in the PVs, PLA, and left atrial appendage (LAA) under the following conditions: baseline, 20-Hz cervical vagal stimulation (VS), propranolol (P), P + VS, and P + atropine. Effective refractory periods (ERPs) were measured, and conduction vectors were computed at multiple sites. Western blotting and immunostaining were performed for IKAch (Kir3.1/3.4). RESULTS: The VS and P + VS caused more ERP shortening in the PV and PLA than in the LAA. The P + atropine caused greatest ERP prolongation in the LAA. Cumulative ERP change (ERP difference between P + VS and P + atropine) was greatest in the LAA and corresponded with expression of Kir3.1/3.4 (LAA > PLA > or = PV). The ERP change in response to vagal manipulation was most heterogeneous in the PLA; this corresponded with a pronounced heterogeneity of Kir3.1 distribution in the PLA. With VS and/or P, there was evidence of regional conduction delay in the PVs with a significant change in activation direction. Similar activation changes were not seen in the PLA and LAA. CONCLUSIONS: The PVs and PLA demonstrate unique activation and repolarization characteristics in response to autonomic manipulation. The heterogeneity of vagal responses correlates with the pattern of IKAch distribution in the LA. The peculiar autonomic characteristics of the PVs and PLA might create substrate for re-entry and AF.     

Effects of verapamil on atrial fibrillation and its electrophysiological determinants in dogs

BACKGROUND: Atrial tachycardia-induced remodeling promotes the occurrence and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF) and decreases L-type Ca(2+) current. There is also a clinical suggestion that acute L-type Ca(2) channel blockade can promote AF, consistent with an AF promoting effect of Ca(2+) channel inhibition. METHODS: To evaluate the potential mechanisms of AF promotion by Ca(2+) channel blockers, we administered verapamil to morphine-chloralose anesthetized dogs. Diltiazem was used as a comparison drug and autonomic blockade with atropine and nadolol was applied in some experiments. Epicardial mapping with 240 epicardial electrodes was used to evaluate activation during AF. RESULTS: Verapamil caused AF promotion in six dogs, increasing mean duration of AF induced by burst pacing, from 8+/-4 s (mean+/-S.E.) to 95+/-39 s (P<0.01 vs. control) at a loading dose of 0.1 mg/kg and 228+/-101 s (P<0.0005 vs. control) at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg. Underlying electrophysiological mechanisms were studied in detail in five additional dogs under control conditions and in the presence of the higher dose of verapamil. In these experiments, verapamil shortened mean effective refractory period (ERP) from 122+/-5 to 114+/-4 ms (P<0.02) at a cycle length of 300 ms, decreased ERP heterogeneity (from 15+/-1 to 10+/-1%, P<0.05), heterogeneously accelerated atrial conduction and decreased the cycle length of AF (94+/-4 to 84+/-3 ms, P<0.005). Diltiazem did not affect ERP, AF cycle length or AF duration, but produced conduction acceleration similar to that caused by verapamil (n=5). In the presence of autonomic blockade, verapamil failed to promote AF and increased, rather than decreasing, refractoriness. Neither verapamil nor diltiazem affected atrial conduction in the presence of autonomic blockade. Epicardial mapping suggested that verapamil promoted AF by increasing the number of simultaneous wavefronts reflected by separate zones of reactivation in each cycle. CONCLUSIONS: Verapamil promotes AF in normal dogs by promoting multiple circuit reentry, an effect dependent on intact autonomic tone and not shared by diltiazem.