Inhomogeneity in the appearance of electrical remodeling during chronic rapid atrial pacing: evaluation of the dispersion of atrial effective refractoriness

In the present study, the long-term process of progression of electrical remodeling at various atrial sites, which is not well understood, was compared while monitoring continuously the electrophysiologic parameters at multirecording sites in canine atria during continuous atrial burst pacing. A rapid pacing device was implanted in 5 dogs, and continuous atrial burst pacing (400 beats/min) was delivered at the right atrial appendage (RAA). Four pairs of epicardial wire electrodes were sutured on (1) the RAA, (2) Bachmann's bundle (BB), (3) the right atrium close to the inferior vena cava (IVC), and (4) the left atrium (LA). The distal ends of those wires were exteriorized posteriorly and used for pacing and recording. The atrial effective refractory period (AERP), AERP dispersion (AERPd), atrial conduction time (CT) and inducibility of atrial fibrillation (AF) were evaluated during burst pacing for 14 days and during the subsequent 7 days' recovery. The AERP at the LA pacing site was shorter than that at the other sites on day 0. The AERP shortening was greater in the RAA and LA sites than in the BB and IVC sites. The AERPd increased during pacing and reached the maximum level on day 3, and then decreased during the recovery phase. Prolongation of CT tended to be longer between the RAAand IVC sites than that between the other sites. The incidence of AF induction became higher in accordance with the time course of the rapid pacing phase. There was another peak of AF induction on days 7-10. In a canine chronic rapid atrial stimulation model, the progression of electrical remodeling (ie, the shortening of the AERP and the prolongation of the CT) was not homogeneous in both atria, the AERPd showed a temporal increase between days 3 and 7 and matched the increase in AF inducibility at the LA pacing site, the increase in the AERPd was mainly caused by more rapid AERP shortening at the RAA or LA sites, and the LA site always showed a shorter AERP than the other atrial sites in the control state and during the rapid pacing phase, whereas AF inducibility was higher at the LA site than the other sites.     

Bepridil inhibits sub-acute phase of atrial electrical remodeling in canine rapid atrial stimulation model.

Background The effect of bepridil, a multichannel blocker, on atrial electrical remodeling was evaluated in a canine rapid atrial stimulation model. Methods and Results In 10 beagle dogs, the right atrial appendage (RAA) was paced at 400 beats/min for 2 weeks. The atrial electrophysiological parameters, including effective refractory period (AERP), were evaluated at three atrial sites: RAA, the right atrium close to the inferior vena cava (IVC) and the left atrium (LA), during the time course of rapid pacing. Five of the dogs were given bepridil (10 mg . kg (-1) . day(-1) po). In the control group, AERP was significantly shortened at all atrial sites and the AERP shortening (DeltaAERP) was larger for the RAA and LA than at the IVC site (p<0.05). In the bepridil group, DeltaAERP was smaller than that of the controls at all atrial sites, and the AERP started to return slowly to the pre-pacing level in the second week, regardless of the continuation of rapid pacing. Conclusions In a canine rapid atrial stimulation model, bepridil suppressed AERP shortening. Bepridil might have a reverse electrical remodeling effect, at least for AERP shortening, because it showed slow recovery of AERP in the subacute phase of rapid atrial pacing. (Circ J 2006; 70: 206 - 213).     

Regional differences in the recovery course of tachycardia-induced changes of atrial electrophysiological properties

BACKGROUND: Regional differences in recovery of tachycardia-induced changes of atrial electrophysiological properties have not been well studied. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the control group (5 dogs), atrial effective refractory period (AERP) and inducibility of atrial fibrillation (AF) were assessed before and every 4 hours for 48 hours after complete atrioventricular junction (AVJ) ablation with 8-week VVI pacing. In experimental group 1 (15 dogs), AERP and inducibility of AF were assessed before and after complete AVJ ablation with 8-week rapid right atrial (RA) pacing (780 bpm) and VVI pacing. In experimental group 2 (7 dogs), AERP and inducibility of AF were assessed before and after 8-week rapid left atrial (LA) pacing and VVI pacing. AERP and inducibility and duration of AF were obtained from 7 epicardial sites. In the control group, atrial electrophysiological properties obtained immediately and during 48-hour measurements after pacing did not show any change. In the 2 experimental groups, recovery of atrial electrophysiological properties included a progressive recovery of AERP shortening, recovery of AERP maladaptation, and decrease of duration and episodes of reinduced AF. However, recovery of shortening and maladaptation of AERP and inducibility of AF was slower at the LA than at the RA and Bachmann's bundle. CONCLUSIONS: The LA had a slower recovery of tachycardia-induced changes of atrial electrophysiological properties, and this might play a critical role in initiation of AF.     

犬急性心房颤动电重构现象的实验研究

目的 观察短阵心房颤动(房颤)的电重构现象及其恢复过程，探讨电重构与房颤再发及维持的关系。方法 15只健康成年犬于左、右心房外膜7个部位缝合双极记录电极，自心耳给予600次／min起搏诱发2h房颤，其中5只犬每间隔10min测量左、右心耳的心房有效不应期(AERP)，观察其恢复过程；另10只犬在房颤前后分别测量在起搏周长350ms、250ms、200ms时7个部位的AERP并记录电生理检查时房颤的诱发率及其持续时间。结果 2h房颤后心房各点AERP显著缩短，对心率适应不良，AERP离散度增高，继发性房颤诱发率增高、持续时间延长。AERP缩短可持续30min，60-80min后恢复。左心耳AERP恢复过程慢于右心耳。可诱发房颤的部位AERP更短，与继发性房颤的平均持续时间呈显著性负相关。可诱发房颤的心房其AERP离散度明显增高，但与继发性房颤的持续时间无关。AERP心率适应不良部位继发性房颤的诱发率高于生理性AERP心率适应性部位。低位右心房及左心耳部位的期前兴奋易于诱发房颤。结论 2h诱发的房颤足以使健康心房发生类似持续性房颤的电重构，电重构使房颤易于再发。AERP离散度与房颤的诱发有关，AERP缩短与房颤的持续性有关，房性早搏的发生部位与房颤的易患性有关。     

Long-term changes in sequence of atrial activation and refractory periods: no evidence for "atrial memory".

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to test whether the spatial distribution of the atrial refractory period (AERP) and the vulnerability to atrial fibrillation (AF) are altered by long-term changes in the sequence of atrial activation. BACKGROUND: The spatial distribution of the AERP plays an important role in AF. Changes in the activation sequence have been postulated to modulate atrial repolarization ("atrial memory"). METHODS: Six goats were chronically instrumented with epicardial atrial electrodes to determine activation time and AERP at 11 different areas of the right (RA) and left (LA) atrium and the Bachmann bundle. Activation time and AERP were measured during sinus rhythm and during prolonged RA and LA pacing (1 week RA pacing, 2 weeks LA pacing, 1 week RA pacing; 150 bpm). Inducibility of AF was determined by the number of atrial sites where single premature stimuli induced AF paroxysms >1 second. RESULTS: During sinus rhythm (106 +/- 4 bpm), AERP was longest at the Bachmann bundle and shortest at the LA free wall (185 +/- 6 ms and 141 +/- 5 ms, P < .001). In five of six goats, an inverse correlation between local activation time and AERP was found during sinus rhythm (r = -0.53 +/- 0.05; P < .05). The increase in atrial rate during RA and LA pacing caused an overall shortening of AERP from 167 +/- 6 ms to 140 +/- 6 ms (P < .001). However, a switch between long-term RA and LA pacing did not significantly change AERP at any of the 11 atrial regions and had no significant effect on AF inducibility. CONCLUSIONS: During sinus rhythm, an inverse relationship exists between the sequence of atrial activation and the local refractory period. However, long-term changes in the sequence of atrial activation do not alter the spatial distribution of AERP or the inducibility of AF.     

心力衰竭犬心房电生理特性的研究

为观察心力衰竭 (简称心衰 )犬心房肌电生理特性的改变 ,探讨充血性心衰时心房颤动 (AF)发生机制。选择14只犬随机分为起搏组 (n =7)和假手术组 (n =7) ,在左、右房各缝植 4对电极 ,电极尾端经皮下由犬背部穿出。假手术组犬埋置起搏器后不起搏。起搏组犬置入实验用VOO型起搏器快速心室起搏 (2 2 0次 /分 ) 6周 ,建立心衰犬模型 ,分别于起搏前、起搏 6周后 ,测定心房有效不应期 (AERP)、AERP离散度 (AERPd)、房内和房间传导时间及心房肌传导速度 ,记录AF诱发情况。结果 :①假手术组犬术前与术后比较 ,心功能和心房电生理特性均无明显变化。②心室快速起搏 6周犬AERP较起搏前略延长 ,但差异无显著性。起搏 6周犬AERPd较起搏前明显增大 (4 0 .4±15 .6msvs 2 2 .6± 10 .2ms,P <0 .0 5 )。与起搏前比较 ,起搏 6周犬房内及房间传导时间明显延长 (CTRA5 4 .7± 7.2msvs 33.1± 9.5ms ;CTLA5 2 .3± 8.9msvs 31.7± 6 .3ms ;CTRA LA6 9.7± 8.2msvs 4 2 .8± 7.9ms,P均 <0 .0 5 ) ,心房肌传导速度显著减慢 (CVRA5 4 .8± 7.9cm/svs 90 .7± 8.4cm/s ;CVLA5 7.4± 9.6cm/svs 94 .6± 10 .2cm/s,P均 <0 .0 5 )。③心衰犬AF诱发率、诱发次数、AF持续时间较起搏前明显增加。假手术组犬术前、术后比较AF诱发情况无?     

Effects of Cilazapril on atrial electrical, structural and functional remodeling in atrial fibrillation dogs

Background and purpose

The effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor on long-term atrial electrophysiologic and structural remodeling are still unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Cilazapril on atrial electrical, structural, and functional remodeling in atrial fibrillation (AF) dogs induced by chronic rapid atrial pacing.

Methods

Twenty dogs were randomly divided into sham-operated group (n = 6), control group (n = 7), and Cilazapril group (n = 7). One thin silicon plaque containing 4 pairs of electrodes was sutured to each atrium. A pacemaker was implanted in a subcutaneous pocket and attached to a screw-in epicardial lead in the right atrial appendage. The dogs in control group and Cilazapril group were paced at 400 beats per minute for 6 weeks. The dogs in Cilazapril group received Cilazapril (0.5 mg•kg⁻¹•d⁻¹) 1 week before rapid atrial pacing until pacing stop. Before and after 6-week rapid atrial pacing, atrial effective refractory period (AERP) at 8 sites, AERP dispersion, intraatrium conduction time, inducibility, and duration of AF were measured. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic examinations included left atrium (LA) maximal volume, LA minimal volume, LA ejection fraction, left atrial appendage (LAA) maximal volume, LAA minimal volume, LAA ejection fraction, LAA maximal forward flow velocity, and LAA minimal backward flow velocity were performed. Atrial collagen volume fraction was analyzed by Masson staining.

Results

After 6-week rapid atrial pacing, although there was no significant difference in AERP shortening and AERP rate adaptation reduction between the control group and the Cilazapril group, the inducibility and duration of AF were found to be dramatically lower in the Cilazapril group than those in the control group (AF inducibility, 65.7% vs 95.7%, P < .05; AF duration, 531.5 ± 301.2 vs 1432.2 ± 526.5 s, P < .01).The post-tachycardia intraatrium conduction times after 6 weeks with Cilazapril were significantly shorter than those in the control group. Cliazapril could partially prevent AERP dispersion increase induced by chronic rapid atrial pacing. Compared with the control group, the LA and LAA volumes were significantly smaller; LA ejection fraction, LAA ejection fraction, LAA maximal forward flow velocity, and LAA minimal backward flow velocity were dramatically higher in the Cilazapril group. The Cilazapril group had a significantly lower percentage of interstitial fibrosis than the control group.

Conclusions

Cilazapril can suppress structural and functional remodeling and prevent the induction and promotion of AF in chronic rapid atrial pacing dogs.     

心房电重构与房颤关系的基础研究

目的检查观测心房电生理改变与房颤（AF）发生和持续的关系,探讨心房电重构与房颤的内在联系。方法健康成年杂种犬14只（雌雄不拘,体重10．0～12．5kg）,随机分为2组：对照组（A组）和起搏组（B组）。右侧开胸将电极置于右心房,以400次／min的频率快速起搏右心房（A组只手术不起搏）,分别于实验开始及起搏6h后对每只犬进行电生理检查,测定心房有效不应期（AERP）。起搏开始及起搏后测定burst刺激诱发房颤的频率和持续时间。结果A组在整个时间内AERP无变化,B组心房快速起搏后,AERP明显缩短。A、B两组起搏前房颤的频率和持续时间差异无统计学意义。A组起搏前、后房颤的频率和持续时间无变化,B组心房快速起搏后房颤的频率增多,持续时间延长。结论快速心房起搏可以引起心房有效不应期缩短,即心房电重构。心房电重构造成的心房有效不应期等电生理变化促进了房颤的发生和维持,是心房电重构与房颤关系的基础。     

慢性快速心房起搏心房颤动犬内皮型一氧化氮合酶mRNA表达变化的研究

为研究慢性快速心房起搏心房颤动(简称房颤)犬模型中心内膜内皮型一氧化氮合酶(eNOS)mRNA表达的变化,探讨其与心房结构重构、血栓形成的关系。13只健康犬随机分为假手术组和起搏组,应用埋藏式高频率心脏起搏器快速起搏心房(400次 /分) 6周,取左、右心房,左、右心耳及主动脉内膜。通过逆转录 聚合酶链反应 (RT PCR),以β actin为内参照,测定犬心内膜eNOSmRNA表达的变化,同时检测血浆NO代谢产物硝酸盐 (NOx)的含量。结果:正常犬心脏eNOSmRNA表达存在差异,左房、左心耳明显高于右房、右心耳;起搏 6周后左房、左心耳eNOSmRNA表达起搏组明显低于假手术组,而右房、右心耳、主动脉无明显差别,血浆NOx起搏组亦明显低于假手术组。结论:正常犬心脏eNOS基因表达是不平衡的,左房明显高于右房。房颤犬eNOSmRNA表达降低可能是心房结构重构,血栓形成的重要因素之一。     

钙对心房肌电重构影响的实验研究

目的 用动物试验模拟快速房律,观察心房电重构的电生理变化并对其机制进行初的探讨。方法 用8只羊自身随机对照,观察不同状态下和用不同药物时心房有效不应期（AERP）的变化,和心房颤动（房颤）的诱发率。结果（1）800次／min的快速心房刺激很快引起AERP的缩短,停止刺激后AERP的恢复也很快。单用维拉帕米可防止快速刺激引起AERP的缩短,而升高血血清钙显延缓停止刺激后的AERP的恢复,而且升高血清钙可消除维拉帕米对AERP的保护作用。（2）快速心房刺激后明显增加心房反复激动和房颤的诱导率。结论 （1）7h,800次／min的快速刺激可赞成心房电重构,电重构出现较早（30min内）,停止刺激后电重构很快恢复（1h)内,（2）心房电重构后容易诱发心房反复激动和房颤;（3）维拉帕米可预防心房电重构,升高血钙可延缓电重构的恢复。     

Difference between electrical remodelling after pulmonary veins and right atrium appendage pacing.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary veins (PVs) are important sources of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Rapid atrial pacing changes atrial electrophysiology, and facilitates the induction and maintenance of AF. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the changes in atrial effective refractory period (AERP) proprieties and in ionic currents in PVs myocytes from dogs subjected to rapid atrial pacing in PVs and right atrial appendage (RAA) and to relate these changes to the ability to induce AF. METHODS: Twelve mongrel dogs in normal sinus rhythm were paced from the superior left PVs or RAA at 500 bpm for 4 h. Electrophysiological studies were conducted to determine the changes in AERP, dispersion, and rhythm. Ionic currents were evaluated using patch clamp technique in single PVs myocytes in sham-operated dogs, and the results were compared with those from PVs and RAA pacing groups. RESULTS: The presence of rapid atrial pacing was associated with a marked shortening in AERP in both PVs and RAA pacing group with a marked increase in AERP dispersion in PVs pacing. Both L-type calcium current (I(Ca,L)) and the transient outward current (I(to)) were reduced in both groups with an increased significance in PVs pacing group. The density of I(Ca,L) was decreased significantly from (-6.03 +/- 0.63) pA/pF in the control group to (-3.21 +/- 0.34) pA/pF in the PVs pacing group and (-4.75 +/- 0.41) pA/pF in the RAA pacing group (n = 6, P < 0.05), whereas the density of I(to) was decreased significantly from (8.45 +/- 0.71) pA/pF in the control group to (5.21 +/- 0.763) pA/pF in the PVs pacing group and (6.84 +/- 0.69) pA/pF in the RAA pacing group (n = 6, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings provide likely ionic mechanisms of shortened repolarization in induced atrial tachycardia with a decrease in I(Ca,L) and I(to) densities, which is the likely mechanism for a decrease in action potential duration rate adaptation in the canine rapid pacing model more pronounced in the PVs pacing group underlying the crucial role of PVs in initiating AF.     

左旋卡尼汀对犬心房急性电重构的影响

目的观察左旋卡尼汀（L-carn itine,L-CN）对犬心房颤动（房颤）所引发心房急性电重构的预防作用。方法12只犬随机分为L-CN组和生理盐水对照组。以800次/m in的频率快速起搏右心房1 s以诱发短阵房颤,在恢复窦性心律即刻重复发放刺激以维持房颤2 h。观察各组房颤前后不同时间段的右心房有效不应期（AERP）、AERP的频率适应性及右心房内传导速度（CV）的变化。结果房颤后盐水组AERP显著缩短（P<0.05）,L-CN组房颤前后AERP无显著缩短;盐水组的AERP的频率适应性显著下降（P<0.05）,L-CN组该指标无显著变化;房颤前后两组间右心房内CV无明显改变。结论L-CN能够有效防止房颤诱发的心房急性电重构。     

卡维地洛对实验犬慢性心房电重构的影响

目的研究卡维地洛对长期快速起搏实验犬心房有效不应期(AERP)和心房电重构的影响。方法27只犬随机分为3组,起搏组:采用快速起博心房的方法建立房颤模型(起搏频率400次/min),起搏器置入前及起搏6周后分别行电生理检查,以2个基本周长(S1=300、200ms)分别标测AERP;起搏加药物组:起搏器置入及电生理检查同起搏组,起搏器置入前3d至起搏6周,每日给予卡维地洛12.5mg,2次/d口服;对照组:实验犬未置入起搏器,仅于相应的时间行电生理检查。结果起搏组起搏6周后较起搏前AERP明显缩短(P<0.001);起搏加药物组起搏6周后与起搏前比较,AERP无明显变化(P>0.05);对照组6周前、后所测AERP差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论实验犬长期快速起搏可致AERP缩短,卡维地洛可明显抑制长期快速起搏实验犬AERP的缩短和AERP频率适应性丧失,抑制心房电重构。     

夹竹桃麻素对兔心房电重构的影响

目的探讨烟酰胺腺嘌呤二核苷酸磷酸氧化酶抑制剂夹竹桃麻素对兔心房急性电重构的预防作用。方法选择新西兰白兔18只,随机分为对照组、心房快速起搏组和夹竹桃麻素+心房快速起搏组(夹竹桃麻素组),每组6只。对照组和心房快速起搏组术前生理盐水3 ml/(kg·d)灌胃3 d,夹竹桃麻素组予30 mg/(kg·d)药物灌胃3d。对照组术中不行心房快速起搏,心房快速起搏组与夹竹桃麻素组术中以最快的能维持心房1:1起搏的频率(500～600/min)给予快速刺激。分别在0、0.5、1.0、1.5、2.0、2.5和3.0 h时,测量基础刺激周长分别为200 ms和1 50 ms的右心房有效不应期(atrial effective rcfractory period,AERP),分析AERP频率适应性的变化,并记录心房颤动(房颤)的诱发情况。结果对照组和夹竹桃麻素组AERP_(200)和AERP_(150)无明显变化,心房快速起搏组AERP_(200)和AERP_(150)与心房快速起搏时间呈负相关(r=—0.650,P<0.01;r=—0.498,P<0.01);对照组和夹竹桃麻素组AERP频率适应性指标无明显变化,心房快速起搏组AERP频率适应性与心房快速起搏时间呈负相关(r=一0.341,P<0.05);心房快速起搏组和夹竹桃麻素组的房颤诱发率分别为66.67%和16.67%,平均房颤持续时间分别为37.75 min和0.67 min,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论夹竹桃麻素能够减缓心房电重构的发生、发展,降低房颤的持续时间。     

射频消融第三脂肪垫对犬心房电生理参数及心房颤动诱发的影响

目的研究射频消融第三脂肪垫对犬心房电生理参数及心房颤动(房颤)诱发的影响。方法观察12只杂种犬在不同起搏周长下,消融第三脂肪垫前后心房不同部位有效不应期(AERP)、AERP离散度、AERP频率适应性,房颤诱发率及其诱发窗口的变化。结果与消融前相比,消融后心率变化差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。随着起搏周长变短,AERP明显缩短,且差异具有统计学意义(均为P<0.05)。消融术后高位左心房、低位左心房、左心耳部位AERP明显缩短,高位右心房、低位右心房、右心耳部位AERP明显延长(均为P<0.05)。AERP离散度差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。消融后不同测量部位的房颤诱发率均降低及房颤诱发窗口增宽。结论消融第三脂肪垫达到部分去迷走神经化,使左心房AERP缩短,同时使房颤诱发率降低及房颤诱发窗口增宽。     

氧化应激对心房颤动心房间质纤维化影响的实验研究

目的 观察氧化应激对慢性心房快速起搏诱发心房颤动(房颤)犬心房肌间质纤维化的影响.方法 20只犬分为假手术组、对照组和普罗布考组.无菌条件下开胸手术,植入高频起搏器(400次/min)心房快速起搏6周,建立房颤犬模型.普罗布考组于起搏前1周服用普罗布考(100 mg/kg),至起搏6周结束.采用Masson染色观察各组犬心房肌胶原容积分数(CVF);采用Western印迹法检测各组犬心房肌MMP-9、TMP-1表达;分别于起搏前、起搏6周后测量各组犬左心房最大容积(LAVmax)、最小容积(LAVmin)和射血分数(LAEF);测定左心耳最大容积(LAAVmax)、最小容积(LAAVmin)和射血分数(LAAEF);记录左心耳最大正向血流速度(V-LAA+)和负向血流速度(V-LAA-);比色法检测各组犬心房肌氧化应激相关指标.结果 与假手术组相比,对照组犬心房肌CVF值显著增加,普罗布考能够显著降低房颤犬心房肌CVF值.与假手术组比较,对照组犬心房肌MMP-9表达显著上调(P＜0.01),TMP-1表达显著下调(P＜0.01);与对照组犬比较,普罗布考组犬心房肌MMP-9表达显著降低(P＜0.01),TMP-1表达显著升高(P＜0.01).心房快速起搏6周后,对照组犬LAVmax、LAVmin、LAAVmax和LAAVmin明显增大,LAEF、LAAEF、V-LAA+和V-LAA-显著减小.与假手术组犬比较,对照组犬心房肌MDA-水平显著增加(P＜0.01),与对照组犬比较,普罗布考组犬心房肌MDA水平显著降低(P＜0.01),心房肌氧化应激指标(MDA)与CVF值呈正相关(r=0.976,P＜0.001).结论 长期心房快速起搏诱发房颤犬心房肌存在氧化应激,心房肌MMP-9表达显著上调,TIM-1表达显著下调,心房肌纤维化程度显著增加.普罗布考能够通过抑制氧化应激,抑制房颤犬心房肌MMP-9表达上调,促进TIM-1表达上调,防止房颤犬心房结构重构,改善心房功能,对房颤防治有益.     

Is There an Optimal Pacing Site to Prevent Atrial Fibrillation?: An Experimental Study in the Chronically Instrumented Goat

INTRODUCTION: Atrial pacing can reduce the number of recurrences of atrial fibrillation (AF). It is unclear the extent to which this effect is determined by the site(s) of pacing. METHODS AND RESULTS: In six electrically remodeled goats (24-hour AF), the window of inducibility of AF was determined by applying premature stimuli (S1-S2) at the right (RA) or left (LA) atrium (baseline values). Determination of the window of inducibility of AF at RA and LA was repeated during preventive pacing at four sites: RA, LA, Bachmann's bundle (BB), and RA+LA (biatrial). Mapping was used to elucidate the mechanisms of prevention of AF. At baseline, the window of inducibility of AF was 49 +/- 9 msec at RA and 45 +/- 17 msec at LA. Initiation of AF was associated with conduction block of the premature beat at BB. Preventive pacing at BB markedly shortened the window of inducibility of AF at RA (25 +/- 11 msec) and LA (17 +/- 8 msec, P < 0.01). Pacing at RA only shortened the window of inducibility of AF at LA (23 +/- 9 msec, P < 0.01), whereas pacing at LA only shortened the window of inducibility of AF at RA (23 +/- 11 msec, P < 0.01). Biatrial pacing failed to shorten the window of inducibility of AF both at RA and LA. Prevention of AF by pacing was due to prolongation of the premature interval at BB. CONCLUSION: In the caprine model of AF, BB is a critical area of conduction of premature beats and initiation of AF. Pacing at BB can prevent but not completely abolish the initiation of AF by single premature beats (shortening of the window of inducibility). Prevention of AF by pacing is based on prolongation of the premature interval at BB, thus preventing conduction block and reentry. In general, the optimal site for preventive pacing is close to the area of block and remote from the origin of premature beats.     

风心病慢性房颤心外膜标测心房有效不应期的对比研究

目的:研究风心病慢性房颤的电生理特征。方法:对29例风心病伴或不伴慢性房颤的病人在行二尖瓣置换术时,采用心外膜标测技术测定左、右心房各部位的有效不应期(AERP)及右房内和房间的传导时间。结果:风心病慢性房颤组左、右心房AERP比窦性心律明显缩短(P<0.05),左、右心房各部分的AERF,之间有明显差异(P< 0.01),即存在明显离散性;慢性房颤组的右房和房间传导时间在转复为窦性心律和缩短刺激右房高位问期时均显著长于正常对照组(P<0.05)。结论:风心病慢性房颤心房各部位AERP的差异反映了其AERP的离散性,而AERP 的离散性在房颤的诱发和维持过程中起着重要作用。     

Effects of simultaneous atrioventricular pacing on atrial refractoriness and atrial fibrillation inducibility: role of atrial mechanoelectrical feedback

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an acute increase in atrial pressure on refractoriness (mechanoelectrical feedback) and the vulnerability to atrial fibrillation (AF) and to investigate the effects of autonomic blockade and verapamil on mechanoelectrical feedback in humans. METHODS AND RESULTS: Right atrial pressure and effective refractory period (ERP) at the right atrial appendage (RAA) and high right atrial septum were measured during sinus rhythm, and during atrial and simultaneous AV pacing at a cycle length of 300 msec, either in the absence (n = 25) or presence (n = 22) of pharmacologic autonomic blockade. In another 15 patients, the protocol was performed before and after infusion of verapamil 0.15 mg/kg. In the absence of autonomic blockade, AV pacing resulted in a higher mean right atrial pressure (11.7 +/- 3.3 vs 4.3 +/- 3.0 mmHg, P < 0.001) and a shorter atrial RAA ERP (144 +/- 23 msec vs 161 +/- 21 msec; P < 0.001) compared with atrial pacing; AF was induced more often during AV pacing (87%) than during atrial pacing (20%) and was related directly to the right atrial pressure (r = 0.39, P = 0.004) and indirectly to the RAA ERP (r = -0.42, P < 0.001). The susceptibility to sustained AF was greatly enhanced by autonomic blockade. Verapamil markedly attenuated the shortening of ERP and the propensity for AF that occurred during simultaneous AV pacing. CONCLUSION: An acute increase in atrial pressure during tachycardia is associated with shortening of atrial refractoriness and a propensity for AF, i.e., atrial mechanoelectrical feedback, which may be enhanced by autonomic blockade and attenuated by calcium channel blockade.