Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Atrial Function, Right”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 487 records · Page 27Linked to original sources

Right atrial pressure as a measure of ventricular constraint arising from positive end-expiratory pressure during mechanical ventilation of the neonatal lamb.

OBJECTIVE: By constraining the heart, the chest wall, lungs, and pericardium limit diastolic filling and thus have a major role in determining cardiac output. Although intermittent positive pressure ventilation and the application of positive end-expiratory pressure amplifies this constraint, no clinical method exists to assess the impact that positive end-expiratory pressure has on ventricular constraint in the newborn. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that a change in right atrial pressure (Pra) reflects the change in ventricular constraint associated with a change in airway pressure. DESIGN: Experimental, comparative animal study. SETTING: Ritchie Centre for Baby Health Research cardiovascular laboratory. SUBJECTS Neonatal (4-wk-old, n = 6) and newborn (3-day-old, n = 6) Merino/Border-Leicester cross lambs. INTERVENTIONS: Lambs were anesthetized (alpha-chloralose and ketamine), ventilated, and instrumented to record Pra, thoracic inferior vena caval pressure (Pivc, saline-filled catheters), and pericardial pressure (Pper, liquid-containing balloon). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Changes (Delta) in Pra, Pivc, and Pper were assessed while airway pressure was rapidly reduced from four set levels of continuous positive airway pressure (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 15 cm H2O) to atmospheric pressure. A strong linear relationship was observed between DeltaPra and DeltaPper (DeltaPra = 0.90 DeltaPper - 0.02, r =.98), and between DeltaPivc and DeltaPper (DeltaPivc = 0.86 DeltaPper - 0.02, r =.98) in both the 4-wk-old lambs and the 3-day-old lambs. CONCLUSIONS: Our experiments demonstrate that, in the newborn and neonatal lamb, DeltaPra provides an accurate measure of the change in ventricular constraint that accompanies a change in airway pressure, and thus may provide a means of quantifying the magnitude of ventricular constraint imposed by positive end-expiratory pressure and mechanical ventilation during neonatal intensive care.

Age Factors↗

Right atrial contractile performance in patients with myocardial infarction.

To evaluate right atrial (RA) contractile performance in patients with myocardial infarction, we validated a cineangiographic method of RA volume measurement, and investigated RA volume change in 'normal' individuals and patients with a previous myocardial infarction. Sixteen silicone rubber RA casts made from human cadavers were filmed in the postero-anterior and left lateral projections. The cast volumes calculated following Simpson's rule were in good agreement with those measured by water replacement (r = 0.992, P < 0.01). At cardiac catheterization, biplane RA cineangiography was performed in 19 'normal' individuals (N group), in 14 patients with a previous antero-septal infarction (AMI group) and in seven patients with a previous inferior infarction (IMI group). The RA volume-time curve was constructed at 20-40 ms intervals for one cardiac cycle. RA volume at the beginning of the atrial contraction (RAVd), which was defined as the 'preload' of the RA, tended to be larger in both the AMI and IMI groups compared with 'normal' individuals. The RA ejection volume was significantly larger in both the AMI (18.4 +/- 2.1 ml.m-2, P < 0.01) and IMI groups (19.4 +/- 2.8, P < 0.01) than in the N group (14.5 +/- 1.9), even for a comparable level of RAVd (range from 26 to 36 ml.m-2) (18.6 +/- 2.1, P < 0.01, 18.2 +/- 2.0, P < 0.01, 14.7 +/- 1.9, respectively). These results suggest that RA contraction increases in patients with myocardial infarction by increasing both the 'preload' and 'contractility' of the RA.

Adult↗

Effect of the cardioselective, sarcolemmal K(ATP) channel blocker HMR 1098 on atrial electrical remodeling during pacing-induced atrial fibrillation in dogs.

PURPOSE: The progressive shortening of the atrial effective refractory period (ERP) during atrial fibrillation (AF) might be due to the activation of the KATP channels by rapid atrial rates. We tested the hypothesis that the cardioselective, sarcolemmal KATP channel blocker HMR 1098 would prevent atrial ERP shortening during AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Nine dogs were treated with HMR 1098 (3 mg/kg bolus injection followed by a continuous intravenous (i.v.) infusion at 17 microg/kg/min rate maintained throughout the study) and 7 dogs served as controls receiving i.v. saline. Pharmacological autonomic blockade was induced by i.v. administration of atropine (0.04 mg/kg) and propranolol (0.2 mg/kg) and maintained throughout the study by continuous i.v. infusion of atropine (0.007 mg/kg/h) and propranolol (0.04 mg/kg/h). Rapid right atrial pacing at 50 msec cycle length (CL) was initiated and maintained for 6 hours. High right atrial ERP (HRA-ERP) and corrected sinus node recovery time (HRA-cSNRT), coronary sinus ERP (CS-ERP) and corrected SNRT (CS-cSNRT) at three (400, 300, 200 msec) CLs were measured before and after pacing at different time points. Baseline values were not different between control and treated dogs. In the control group the HRA-ERP progressively shortened (from 179 +/- 21 msec at baseline to 161 +/- 23 msec at 360 min at 400 msec CL) ( p = 0.002), with a gradual decrease, loss or inversion of ERP rate adaptation at shorter (300, 200 msec) CLs. HMR 1098 treatment did not prevent the shortening of HRA-ERP during the first 2 to 3 hours of rapid atrial pacing. However, beginning at 180-240 min, HMR 1098 increased the HRA-ERP ( p = 0.01) to baseline by 360 min. HMR 1098 treatment did not prevent another feature of atrial electrical remodeling, the flattening or inversion of ERP rate adaptation. In neither group did CS-ERP shortening occur. The maximum cSNRT at 360 min prolonged significantly in both groups during HRA and CS pacing as well compared with baseline. CONCLUSIONS: HMR 1098 treatment did not prevent the shortening of HRA-ERP, the salient feature of atrial electrical remodeling in the first 2 to 3 hours of rapid atrial rates, but did prevent it thereafter. Another characteristic feature of atrial electrical remodeling, the flattening or inversion of physiological ERP rate adaptation was not prevented by HMR 1098 treatment. Sinus node depression was detectable after short-term (6 hours) rapid atrial pacing and was not affected by HMR 1098.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Restrictive left ventricular filling patterns are predictive of diastolic ventricular interaction in chronic heart failure.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether restrictive left ventricular (LV) filling patterns are associated with diastolic ventricular interaction in patients with chronic heart failure. BACKGROUND: We recently demonstrated a diastolic ventricular interaction in approximately 50% of a series of patients with chronic heart failure, as evidenced by paradoxic increases in LV end-diastolic volume despite reductions in right ventricular end-diastolic volume during volume unloading achieved by lower body negative pressure (LBNP). We reasoned that such an interaction would impede LV filling in mid and late diastole, but would be minimal in early diastole, resulting in a restrictive LV filling pattern. METHODS: Transmitral flow was assessed using pulsed wave Doppler echocardiography in 30 patients with chronic heart failure and an LV ejection fraction < or = 35%. Peak early (E) and atrial (A) filling velocities and E wave deceleration time were measured. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume was measured using radionuclide ventriculography before and during -30-mm Hg LBNP. RESULTS: Nine of the 11 patients with and 2 of the 16 patients without restrictive LV filling patterns (E/A > 2 or E/A 1 to 2 and E wave deceleration time < or = 140 ms) increased LV end-diastolic volume during LBNP (p = 0.001). The change in LV end-diastolic volume during LBNP was correlated with the baseline A wave velocity (r = -0.52, p = 0.005) and E/A ratio (r = 0.50, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Restrictive LV filling patterns are associated with diastolic ventricular interaction in patients with chronic heart failure. Volume unloading in the setting of diastolic ventricular interaction allows for increased LV filling. Identifying patients with chronic heart failure and restrictive filling patterns may therefore indicate a group likely to benefit from additional vasodilator therapy.

Atrial Function, Left↗

Determinants of respiratory sinus arrhythmia in the vagotomized rabbit.

After cardiac denervation, a small-amplitude respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) has been described in animals and humans. Its mechanical and chemical determinants were investigated in 19 urethan-anesthetized, vagotomized, and mechanically ventilated rabbits. We measured the influence on RSA of arterial blood gases, beta-adrenergic blockade, and phasic and steady changes in right atrial pressure (RAP) induced by changes in tidal volume (VT, 20, 40, 60 ml), respiratory frequency (RF, 10, 20, 30 cycles/min), and dextran-induced RAP increases. Phasic changes in RAP during each recording were quantified as standard deviation of the first derivative of the RAP signal (dRAP) as a measure of magnitude of variations of the rate of change due to respiration. RSA was assessed by combined autoregressive power spectral analysis of R-R interval and respiration on sequences of 256 heart-beats. Despite vagotomy, RSA was present in all recordings in all animals. During room air breathing, RSA changes were dependent on RF and VT (P < 0.025 and P < 0.001, respectively) and correlated with dRAP (P < 0.001) and arterial PO2 (P < 0.001). beta-Adrenergic blockade did not change the amplitude of this residual RSA or its dependence on ventilatory mechanics. Dextran-induced increase in mean RAP from 2.9 to 11.9 mmHg did not modify RSA or dRAP. During 100% O2 inhalation, RSA changes were no longer significantly linked to RF and VT, and also the correlation of RSA with dRAP was reduced (P < 0.05). Changing the arterial PCO2 from 28 to 79 mmHg (induced by increasing dead space at fixed ventilation) did not modify RSA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Right ventricular systolic pressure load alters myocyte maturation in fetal sheep.

The effects of right ventricular (RV) systolic pressure (RVSP) load on fetal myocyte size and maturation were studied. Pulmonary artery (PA) pressure was increased by PA occlusion from mean 47.4 +/- 5.0 (+/-SD) to 71 +/- 13.6 mmHg (P < 0.0001) in eight RVSP-loaded near-term fetal sheep for 10 days. The maximal pressure generated by the RV with acute PA occlusion increased after RVSP load: 78 +/- 7 to 101 +/- 15 mmHg (P < 0.005). RVSP-load hearts were heavier (44.7 +/- 8.4 g) than five nonloaded hearts (31.8 +/- 0.2 g; P < 0.03); heart-to-body weight ratio (10.9 +/- 1.1 and 6.5 +/- 0.9 g/kg, respectively; P < 0.0001). RVSP-RV myocytes were longer (101.3 +/- 10.2 microm) than nonloaded RV myocytes (88.2 +/- 8.1 microm; P < 0. 02) and were more often binucleated (82 +/- 13%) than nonloaded myocytes (63 +/- 7%; P < 0.02). RVSP-loaded myocytes had less myofibrillar volume than did nonloaded hearts (44.1 +/- 4.4% and 56. 1 +/- 2.6%; P < 0.002). We conclude that RV systolic load 1) leads to RV myocyte enlargement, 2) has minor effects on left ventricular myocyte size, and 3) stimulates maturation (increased RV myocyte binucleation). Myocyte volume data suggest that RV systolic loading stimulates both hyperplastic and hypertrophic growth.

Animals↗

Electrophysiological imaging of the right atrium using a noncontact multielectrode cavitary probe: study of normal and abnormal rhythms.

Cavitary electrograms previously were measured from multiple directions simultaneously in the canine left ventricle with the use of noncontact multielectrode probes. The objective of the present study was to measure cavitary electrograms in the canine right atrium (RA) and describe the corresponding global activation sequences during normal and abnormal atrial rhythms. A 64-electrode custom probe was inserted into the RA of six dogs. Probe position and orientation were guided by fluoroscopy. Probe unipolar electrograms were acquired simultaneously during sinus rhythm, RA pacing, and ventricular pacing. Vagally mediated atrial fibrillation (AF) was induced in four dogs. Probe electrograms were acquired during AF induced at baseline and after intravenous infusion of ibutilide (0.075 mg/kg followed by 0.075 mg/kg infusion over 10 minutes). Isochrone maps were derived from noncontact probe electrograms and were displayed on a beat-by-beat basis during normal and paced rhythms. During AF, maps were displayed for 10 consecutive 100-ms windows. Isochrone maps of normal and paced beats revealed regions of early activation that were consistent with sites of wavefront initiation. During AF, multiple varying activation wavefronts were observed. At baseline, AF cycle length was 110 +/- 15 ms and the number of wavefronts was 1.72 +/- 0.25 per 100-ms window. After ibutilide, AF cycle increased to 182 +/- 36 ms (P = 0.018) and the number of wavefronts decreased to 0.82 +/- 0.14 per 100-ms window (P = 0.009). In conclusion, global electrophysiological imaging with a noncontact multielectrode probe delineates RA anatomy. Furthermore, images of AF activation depict multiple wandering wavefronts. Ibutilide reduces the number of these wavefronts and organizes AF.

Animals↗

Regional control of venous return: liver blood flow.

The aim of the study was to determine whether closing pressures or vascular distensibility can be used to describe liver venous hemodynamics when right atrial pressure is raised. The study was performed using a vascularly isolated pig liver preparation that allowed the independent control of portal vein and hepatic artery inflows and of outflow pressure (Pout). Pressure-flow (P-Q) relationships of both liver vessels were generated at multiple levels of Pout. At Pout of 0 mm Hg, the portal vein P-Q relationship was linear, with a convexity toward the pressure axis at low flows (5 to 10 ml/min/kg). The zero flow pressure was 1.5 +/- 0.2 mm Hg, greater than Pout (p < 0.05). On raising Pout from 0 to 15 mm Hg, the shape of the portal vein P-Q relationships became progressively more linear, with a decrease in slope; no difference between zero flow pressure and Pout was observed. At Pout of 0 mm Hg, the hepatic artery presented a zero flow pressure > Pout. Raising Pout from 0 to 15 and 30 mm Hg resulted in a zero flow pressure always > Pout (p < 0.05). The behavior of the liver vein system is characterized by a zero flow pressure mimicking a classic vascular waterfall and by distensibility, once the waterfall is exceeded. Both factors act to minimize the reduction in venous return with an increased central venous pressure. Flow through the hepatic artery is affected by an increase in backpressure occurring upstream from the sinusoids, reducing arterial inflow for a constant perfusion pressure.

Animals↗

Alcohol concentration determines the type of atrial arrhythmia induced in a porcine model of acute alcoholic intoxication.

Alcohol abuse has long been suspected clinically to cause paroxysmal atrial tachyarrhythmias. However, such a relationship has never been conclusively proven, partly due to the lack of experimental evidence. Although atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common atrial arrhythmia attributed to acute alcoholic ingestion, atrial flutter has occasionally been noted. We analyzed the possible role of alcohol in initiation and/or maintenance of a variety of atrial tachyarrhythmias in a closed-chest porcine model. Nine pigs underwent nine endocardial right atrial stimulation protocols (RASP) at baseline and 17 RASPs after increasing doses of ethanol (first infusion 1,230 mg/kg, second infusion 870 mg/kg) by means of one multipolar catheter advanced under heavy sedation from the femoral vein. Each RASP included 1, 2, and 3 extrastimuli, and rapid pacing at 5 times diastolic threshold. Venous ethanol concentrations were measured (HPGC method) every 10 minutes and at the time of arrhythmia induction. Atrial tachyarrhythmias were induced in 4 of 9 baseline RASPs, and lasted for a mean of 21 seconds, and in 16 of 17 RASPs after alcohol lasting for a mean of 357 seconds. Only fibrillation was observed at the baseline RASP. The atrial tachyarrhythmias induced after alcohol were AF in 11 RASPs and atrial flutter in 5 RASPs (in 5 animals). The mean venous ethanol concentration at the time of the longest arrhythmia induced for each RASP were 200 +/- 89 mg/dL for RASP inducing fibrillation and 292 +/- 40 mg/dL for RASP inducing flutter (P < 0.05). Flutter tended to be sustained (> 1 minute in duration) more often than fibrillation (4 of 5 flutter vs 2 of 11 fibrillation P < 0.05). In three experiments, atrial flutter persisted for > 10 minutes and was terminated by overdrive atrial pacing. We concluded: (1) in this closed-chest porcine model, an ethanol infusion facilitates a variety of atrial arrhythmias related to the ethanol concentration; (2) flutter tended to be sustained, and its termination by overdrive pacing suggests the possibility of an alcohol induced reentrant mechanism; and (3) the higher concentration required for atrial flutter, exceeding that usually seen in humans, may help to explain the rarity of atrial flutter in clinical alcohol intoxication.

Alcoholic Intoxication↗

A noninvasive method of estimating mean pulmonary artery pressure in the pneumatic total artificial heart.

Accurate hemodynamic monitoring is essential for the clinical management of the recipient of a total artificial heart (TAH). The high incidence of pulmonary congestive disorders in this population complicates this already formidable task. Lack of diagnostic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) information is recognized as a fundamental source of these problems. Because conventional methods of obtaining hemodynamic information are difficult to implement in TAH recipients, improvement of TAH case management depends on the development of innovative monitoring strategies. Noninvasive monitoring techniques have been developed for three (right atrial pressure, left atrial pressure, and aortic pressure) of the four auxiliary circulatory pressures used to quantify hemodynamic performance. Development of the fourth, for PAP, was the subject of this work. We developed a noninvasive, in vitro method of estimating mean PAP in the Jarvik-7 TAH (Symbion, Inc, Salt Lake City, UT) recipient. This information was obtained by analyzing the relationship between the pneumatic right drive pressure (RDP) and PAP waveforms produced by a Jarvik-7 (70 ml) connected to a Donovan mock circulation and driven by a Utahdrive System IIIe Controller (Symbion, Inc, Salt Lake City, UT). Total artificial heart driver parameters (i.e., heart rate, percent systole, and vacuum) were manipulated to produce a range of ventricular filling volumes (FV), from 40 to 60 ml, for three distinct states of the pulmonary vasculature: hypotensive, normal, and hypertensive. A unique multiple-linear regression equation was derived for each FV from the RDP-PAP relationship exhibited under these conditions. Comparison of computed estimates of PAP with actual measurements showed overall average correlations of greater than 0.92, with a standard error of the estimate of less than 1.9 mm Hg. The mean difference between actual and computed PAP measurements was -0.03 +/- 2.0 Hg. Estimations were accurate within 8.5% of true PAP values. Additional experimentation revealed that while the RDP-PAP relationships are dependent on FV, they are independent of the manner in which FV was obtained. Estimates proved useful over the clinical operating range of the pneumatic heart driver, as well as over the normal physiologic range of PAP in the human. This method is readily applicable to a computer-based monitoring implementation, although its effectiveness needs to be demonstrated in vivo.

Aorta↗

Monophasic action potentials of the right atrium in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

To investigate the mechanism of atrial fibrillation (AF), monophasic action potentials (MAPs) from the atrial myocardium were studied in 7 patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF) and in 7 control individuals. The MAPs were recorded using a contact catheter during sinus rhythm and continuous pacing at the high right atrium (HRA) with pacing cycle lengths of 600, 500 and 400 ms. MAPs were obtained from 6 sites in each participant. The MAPD90 was measured from onset to 90% of MAP repolarization. Average, maximal and minimal MAPD90 (avMAPD90, maxMAPD90 and minMAPD90) were obtained from all participants. The dispersion of MAPD90 (dispMAPD90) was defined as the difference between maxMAPD90 and minMAPD90. The width of each atrial potential (WAP) and the wavelength index (WLI=MAPD90/WAP) were determined. Average, maximal and minimal WLI (avWLI, maxWLI and minWLI) were obtained from all participants. The avMAPD90 and maxMAPD90 did not significantly differ between the 2 groups. The minMAPD90 in the PAF group was significantly smaller than that in the control group at HRA pacing with cycle lengths of 500 and 400 ms (210+/-18ms vs 245+/-14 ms, p<0.05; 207+/-23 ms vs 238+/-20 ms, p<0.05; respectively). The dispMAPD90 was significantly longer in the PAF group than in the control group during sinus and HRA pacing. The WAP value did not differ between the 2 groups. The minWLI in the PAF group was significantly smaller than that in the control group at HRA pacing with cycle lengths of 500 and 400 ms (3.3+/-0.5 vs 3.8+/-0.3, p<0.05; 3.2+/-0.4 vs 3.7+/-0.3, p<0.02). A shortened and widened dispersion of atrial refractoriness may play an important role in the genesis of AF. Furthermore, smaller wavelengths may form in the atrium of patients with PAF.

Action Potentials↗

[The improvement of the Doppler echocardiographic method for the estimation of pulmonary systolic pressure].

The formulas currently utilized for noninvasive evaluation of right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) include right ventricular-right atrial pressure gradient (RV-RAG) and right atrial pressure (RAP). The former is expressed by trans-tricuspid systolic flow velocity, the latter is generally assumed. We recently observed that ultrasound estimation of RAP through inferior vena cava collapsibility index (CI) may help in the choice of the more appropriate formula for the evaluation of RVSP. However, these traditional methods (method A:RV-RAG + 10; method B:RV-RAG x 1.1 + 14) have limitations, particularly when RAP is low. The present study was undertaken to improve noninvasive estimation of RVSP through new formulas based on CI prediction of RAP. One hundred and four patients, in whom tricuspid regurgitation was adequately documented with CW-Doppler, were included in this study. They were classified into 3 groups: Group 1 with CI > 45%, Group 2 with CI < or = 35%, Group 3 with CI 35-45%. RVSP was evaluated by 3 different methods: A, B, and C. Method C was based on CI, assigning 6, 16, or 9 mmHg to RAP (respectively, the mean values in the 3 groups of our previous study). Results indicate that method C improves noninvasive estimation of RVSP in Group 1 and Group 2, with respect to other methods, with reduction of the SEE and of the mean difference of the t-test between hemodynamic and echographic values. In Group 3, Doppler estimation by method A and C, and catheter measurements are comparable, whereas method B significantly overestimates the actual value.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

A new formula for echo-Doppler estimation of right ventricular systolic pressure.

The Doppler formulas currently used for right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) evaluation include right ventricular-right atrial (RV-RA) gradient and RA pressure. The former is expressed by the velocity of the trans-tricuspid regurgitant flow; the latter is generally assumed and is different from one formula to another. In 110 patients with cardiac disease with normal or elevated pulmonary pressure, we tested a new echo-Doppler formula for the evaluation of RVSP based on the estimation of RA pressure by means of the inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVCCI) and compared this method with two traditional formulas (methods A and B) and with cardiac catheterization values. Patients were classified into three groups on the basis of IVCCI (group 1 > 45%, group 2 between 35% and 45%, and group 3 < 35%). RVSP was evaluated by method A (RV-RA gradient + 10), method B (RV-RA gradient x 1.1 + 14), and our new method, method C, which assigns 6, 9, and 16 mmHg to RA pressure in the presence of normal (> 45%), moderately reduced (between 35% and 45%), or markedly reduced (< 35%) IVCCI, respectively. IVCCI correctly identified RA pressure in the three groups (group 1, 6.8 mmHg; group 2, 10.8 mm Hg; and group 3, 13.1 mmHg); a high correlation existed between Doppler-derived and invasively determined RV-RA gradient (r = 0.99). Method C improved noninvasive estimation of RVSP in groups 1 and 3 compared with the other methods; in group 2, Doppler estimation of RVSP by methods A and C were comparable, whereas method B significantly overestimated the actual values.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Atrial Function, Right↗

The contribution of classical (beta1/2-) and atypical beta-adrenoceptors to the stimulation of human white adipocyte lipolysis and right atrial appendage contraction by novel beta3-adrenoceptor agonists of differing selectivities.

The role of beta3- and other putative atypical beta-adrenoceptors in human white adipocytes and right atrial appendage has been investigated using CGP 12177 and novel phenylethanolamine and aryloxypropanolamine beta3-adrenoceptor (beta3AR) agonists with varying intrinsic activities and selectivities for human cloned betaAR subtypes. The ability to demonstrate beta1/2AR antagonist-insensitive (beta3 or other atypical betaAR-mediated) responses to CGP 12177 was critically dependent on the albumin batch used to prepare and incubate the adipocytes. Four aryloxypropanolamine selective beta3AR agonists (SB-226552, SB-229432, SB-236923, SB-246982) consistently elicited beta1/2AR antagonist-insensitive lipolysis. However, a phenylethanolamine (SB-220646) that was a selective full beta3AR agonist elicited full lipolytic and inotropic responses that were sensitive to beta1/2AR antagonism, despite it having very low efficacies at cloned beta1- and beta2ARs. A component of the response to another phenylethanolamine selective beta3AR agonist (SB-215691) was insensitive to beta1/2AR antagonism in some experiments. Because no [corrected] novel aryloxypropanolamine had a beta1/2AR antagonist-insensitive inotropic effect, these results establish more firmly that beta3ARs mediate lipolysis in human white adipocytes, and suggest that putative 'beta4ARs' mediate inotropic responses to CGP 12177. The results also illustrate the difficulty of predicting from studies on cloned betaARs which betaARs will mediate responses to agonists in tissues that have a high number of beta1- and beta2ARs or a low number of beta3ARs.

Adipose Tissue↗

A cellular mechanism contributing to postvagal tachycardia studied in isolated pacemaker cells from cat right atrium.

Vagal nerve-induced inhibition of the heartbeat is followed by a postvagal increase in heart rate above control levels, postvagal tachycardia. In the present study, we used a perforated-patch/whole-cell recording method to determine the role of L-type Ca2+ current (ICa,L) and the hyperpolarization-activated inward current (I(f)) in the positive chronotropic response elicited by withdrawal of acetylcholine (ACh). Experiments were performed on sinoatrial node (SAN) and latent atrial pacemaker (LAP) cells isolated from cat right atrium. Withdrawal of a 2-minute exposure to 1 mumol/L ACh elicited a rebound stimulation of ICa,L in both SAN (33 +/- 4%) and LAP (50 +/- 6%) cells above control. Similarly, withdrawal of ACh (1 mumol/L) elicited a rebound stimulation of I(f) in both SAN (21 +/- 4%) and LAP (20 +/- 6%) cells. During the rebound stimulation of ICa,L, peak amplitude was increased throughout the voltage range, and the voltage dependence of activation was shifted to more negative voltages. Action potential recordings from both SAN and LAP cells showed that following ACh-induced inhibition, withdrawal of ACh elicited a concomitant rebound increase in action potential amplitude ( + 21 +/- 2% and + 21 +/- 3%, respectively) and decrease in pacemaker cycle length (30 +/- 5% and 44 +/- 5%, respectively) compared with control. H-89 (2 mumol/L), an inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A, abolished the rebound increase of ICa,L, I(f), action potential amplitude, and decrease in pacemaker cycle length elicited by withdrawal of ACh. In the presence of 2 mmol/L cesium, a blocker of I(f), the rebound decrease in pacemaker cycle length elicited by withdrawal of ACh was unchanged. We conclude that in SAN and LAP cells, withdrawal of ACh elicits a positive chronotropic response primarily through a cAMP-mediated rebound stimulation of ICa,L. These findings are the first demonstration of an intrinsic cellular mechanism that may contribute directly to the nonadrenergic component of postvagal tachycardia.

Acetylcholine↗

Observations from intraatrial recordings on the termination of electrically induced atrial fibrillation in humans.

BACKGROUND: The circulating wavelet hypothesis suggests that atrial fibrillation could terminate by either progressive fusion or simultaneous block of all wavelets. METHODS: Intraatrial recordings from the right atrial free wall were made during procainamide induced (n = 8) or spontaneous (n = 7) termination of electrically induced atrial fibrillation in 14 patients. Atrial rate, mean magnitude squared coherence, and direction of activation during sequential electrograms were measured. Rate and coherence were calculated from the earliest point within 5 minutes prior to termination as well as from the 4-second interval just prior to termination. RESULTS: Termination was directly to sinus rhythm (13 episodes) or to atrial flutter (2 episodes). For the eight procainamide induced terminations, rate decreased between the first measurement and the measurement just prior to termination, from 443 +/- 127 beats/min to 322 +/- 119 beats/min. For the seven spontaneous terminations, rate also decreased from 373 +/- 119 beats/min to 323 +/- 88 beats/min; however, a slight increase in atrial rate prior to termination was observed in three episodes. No specific patterns of atrial cycle lengths were seen during the final few seconds of fibrillation. No increase in coherence was observed. In seven episodes, recordings were made using orthogonal bipoles in the x, y, and z directions, allowing direction of activation of wavefronts to be measured. Three episodes showed multiple instances where direction of activation remained similar over several electrograms as we have previously reported for chronic fibrillation. However, no such instances precipitated termination in any of the seven episodes. CONCLUSIONS: Atrial fibrillation usually terminates directly to sinus rhythm and does so abruptly and without forewarning. While we and others have previously reported that the rate of atrial fibrillation decreases with procainamide infusion, a decrease in the rate of atrial fibrillation is not required for the rhythm to terminate and consequently may not be a part of the termination process at all. Coherence does not demonstrate a progressive increase in the organization of atrial fibrillation prior to termination. Lack of stabilization in the direction of activation of wavefronts in the final few seconds also fails to support fusion of wavefronts as the mechanism of termination of atrial fibrillation. Simultaneous block of all wavelets is consistent with, but not proven by, our observations.

Adolescent↗

Atrial electrophysiological properties evaluated by right and left atrial pacing in patients with or without atrial fibrillation.

Coronary sinus (CS) pacing has been shown to prevent induction of atrial fibrillation (AF) by suppression of the propensity of atrial premature beats at high right atrium (HRA) to induce local conduction delay at the posterior triangle of Koch. However, other mechanisms of CS pacing in preventing induction of AF have not been explored. This study investigated whether a differential conduction delay exists between the HRA and distal CS pacing in patients with paroxysmal AF but not in patients without AF. Nine patients with atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia utilizing a left accessory pathway undergoing catheter ablation were included in this study. Group 1 consisted of 5 patients with clinically documented paroxysmal AF and group 2 4 patients without a history of AF. The effective refractory periods (ERPs) of HRA, distal CS, and four different left atrial sites were determined. The interatrial conduction time and conduction delay between the HRA and distal CS during HRA or distal CS pacing were measured. The interatrial conduction delay (ICD) from the HRA to the distal CS during HRA pacing was significantly longer than that from the distal CS to the HRA during distal CS pacing in patients of group 1. However, the ICD from the HRA to the distal CS during HRA pacing was not significantly longer than that from the distal CS to the HRA during distal CS pacing in group 2 patients. A differential conduction delay between the HRA and the distal CS pacing is present in this specific population of patients with paroxysmal AF but not in patients without AF. The shorter conduction delay during DCS pacing may contribute to the prevention of induction of AF.

Adult↗

Substrate mapping to detect abnormal atrial endocardium with slow conduction in patients with atypical right atrial flutter.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the abnormal substrate and peak negative voltage (PNV) in the right atrium (RA) with atypical flutter. BACKGROUND: The impact of a local abnormally low voltage electrogram on the local activation pattern and velocity of atrial flutter (AFL) remains unclear. METHODS: Twelve patients with clinically documented AFL were included to undergo noncontact mapping of the RA. The atrial substrate was characterized by the: 1) activation mapping; 2) high-density voltage mapping; and 3) conduction velocity along the flutter re-entrant circuit. The normalized PNV (i.e., the relative ratio to the maximal PNV) in each virtual electrode recording was used to produce the voltage maps of the entire chamber. The protected isthmus was bordered by low voltage zones. RESULTS: Atypical AFL of the RA was induced by atrial pacing in 12 patients, including 10 upper loop re-entry and 2 RA free wall re-entry flutter. These protected isthmuses were located near the crista terminalis. The mean width of the protected isthmus was 1.7 +/- 0.3 cm and mean voltage at the isthmus was -0.91 +/- 0.39 mV. The conduction velocities within these paths were significantly slower than outside the path (0.30 +/- 0.18 m/s vs. 1.14 +/- 0.41 m/s, respectively; p = 0.004). The ratiometric PNV of 37.6% of the maximal PNV had the best cut-off value to predict slow conduction, with a high sensitivity (92.3%) and specificity (85.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Characterization of the RA substrate in terms of the unipolar PNV is an effective predictor of the slow conduction path within the critical isthmus of the re-entrant circuit.

Adult↗