Effect of chronic exercise on myocardial electrophysiological heterogeneity and stability. Role of intrinsic cholinergic neurons: A study in the isolated rabbit heart.

A study has been made of the effect of chronic exercise on myocardial electrophysiological heterogeneity and stability, as well as of the role of cholinergic neurons in these changes. Determinations in hearts from untrained and trained rabbits on a treadmill were performed. The hearts were isolated and perfused. A pacing electrode and a recording multielectrode were located in the left ventricle. The parameters determined during induced VF, before and after atropine (1µM), were: fibrillatory cycle length (VV), ventricular functional refractory period (FRPVF), normalized energy (NE) of the fibrillatory signal and its coefficient of variation (CV), and electrical ventricular activation complexity, as an approach to myocardial heterogeneity and stability. The VV interval was longer in the trained group than in the control group both prior to atropine (78±10 vs. 68±10 ms) and after atropine (76±8 vs. 67±10 ms). Likewise, FRPVF was longer in the trained group than in the control group both prior to and after atropine (53±8 vs. 42±7 ms and 50±6 vs. 40±6 ms, respectively), and atropine did not modify FRPVF. The CV of FRPVF was lower in the trained group than in the control group prior to atropine (12.5±1.5% vs. 15.1±3.8%) and, decreased after atropine (15.1±3.8% vs. 12.2±2.4%) in the control group. The trained group showed higher NE values before (0.40±0.04 vs. 0.36±0.05) and after atropine (0.37±0.04 vs. 0.34±0.06; p = 0.08). Training decreased the CV of NE both before (23.3±2% vs. 25.2±4%; p = 0.08) and after parasympathetic blockade (22.6±1% vs. 26.1±5%). Cholinergic blockade did not modify these parameters within the control and trained groups. Activation complexity was lower in the trained than in the control animals before atropine (34±8 vs. 41±5), and increased after atropine in the control group (41±5 vs. 48±9, respectively). Thus, training decreases the intrinsic heterogeneity of the myocardium, increases electrophysiological stability, and prevents some modifications due to muscarinic block.

Effects of S-Nitrosoglutathione on Electrophysiological Manifestations of Mechanoelectric Feedback.

Electromechanical coupling studies have described the intervention of nitric oxide and S-nitrosylation processes in Ca2+ release induced by stretch, with heterogeneous findings. On the other hand, ion channel function activated by stretch is influenced by nitric oxide, and concentration-dependent biphasic effects upon several cellular functions have been described. The present study uses isolated and perfused rabbit hearts to investigate the changes in mechanoelectric feedback produced by two different concentrations of the nitric oxide carrier S-nitrosoglutathione. Epicardial multielectrodes were used to record myocardial activation at baseline and during and after left ventricular free wall stretch using an intraventricular device. Three experimental series were studied: (a) control (n = 10); (b) S-nitrosoglutathione 10 µM (n = 11); and (c) S-nitrosoglutathione 50 µM (n = 11). The changes in ventricular fibrillation (VF) pattern induced by stretch were analyzed and compared. S-nitrosoglutathione 10 µM did not modify VF at baseline, but attenuated acceleration of the arrhythmia (15.6 ± 1.7 vs. 21.3 ± 3.8 Hz; p < 0.0001) and reduction of percentile 5 of the activation intervals (42 ± 3 vs. 38 ± 4 ms; p < 0.05) induced by stretch. In contrast, at baseline using the 50 µM concentration, percentile 5 was shortened (38 ± 6 vs. 52 ± 10 ms; p < 0.005) and the complexity index increased (1.77 ± 0.18 vs. 1.27 ± 0.13; p < 0.0001). The greatest complexity indices (1.84 ± 0.17; p < 0.05) were obtained during stretch in this series. S-nitrosoglutathione 10 µM attenuates the effects of mechanoelectric feedback, while at a concentration of 50 µM the drug alters the baseline VF pattern and accentuates the increase in complexity of the arrhythmia induced by myocardial stretch.

Effects of JTV-519 on stretch-induced manifestations of mechanoelectric feedback.

JTV-519 is a 1,4-benzothiazepine derivative with multichannel effects that inhibits Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and stabilizes the closed state of the ryanodine receptor, preventing myocardial damage and the induction of arrhythmias during Ca2+ overload. Mechanical stretch increases cellular Na+ inflow, activates the reverse mode of the Na+ /Ca2+ exchanger, and modifies Ca2+ handling and myocardial electrophysiology, favoring arrhythmogenesis. This study aims to determine whether JTV-519 modifies the stretch-induced manifestations of mechanoelectric feedback. The ventricular fibrillation (VF) modifications induced by acute stretch were studied in Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts using epicardial multiple electrodes under control conditions (n=9) or during JTV-519 perfusion: 0.1 µmol/L (n=9) and 1 µmol/L (n=9). Spectral and mapping techniques were used to establish the baseline, stretch and post-stretch VF characteristics. JTV-519 slowed baseline VF and decreased activation complexity. These effects were dose-dependent (baseline VF dominant frequency: control=13.9±2.2 Hz; JTV 0.1 µmol/L=11.1±1.1 Hz, P<.01; JTV 1 µmol/L=6.6±1.1 Hz, P<.0001). The stretch-induced acceleration of VF (control=38.8%) was significantly reduced by JTV-519 0.1 µmol/L (19.8%) and abolished by JTV 1 µmol/L (-1.5%). During stretch, the VF activation complexity index was reduced in both JTV-519 series (control=1.60±0.15; JTV 0.1 µmol/L=1.13±0.3, P<.0001; JTV 1 µmol/L=0.57±0.21, P<.0001), and was independently related to VF dominant frequency (R=.82; P<.0001). The fifth percentile of the VF activation intervals, conduction velocity and wavelength entered the multiple linear regression model using dominant frequency as the dependent variable (R=-.84; P<.0001). In conclusion, JTV-519 slowed and simplified the baseline VF activation patterns and abolished the stretch-induced manifestations of mechanoelectric feedback.

Estudio experimental de los efectos de EIPA, losartán y BQ-123 sobre las modificaciones electrofisiológicas inducidas por el estiramiento miocárdico / Experimental study of the effects of EIPA, Losartan, and BQ-123 on electrophysiological changes induced by myocardial stretch

Introducción y objetivos: Se han implicado diversos mecanismos en la respuesta mecánica al estiramiento miocárdico, que incluyen la activación del intercambiador Na+/H+ por acciones autocrinas y paracrinas. Se estudia la participación de estos mecanismos en las respuestas electrofisiológicas al estiramiento agudo miocárdico mediante el análisis de los cambios inducidos con fármacos. Métodos: Se analizan las modificaciones de la fibrilación ventricular inducidas por el estiramiento agudo miocárdico en corazones de conejo aislados y perfundidos utilizando electrodos múltiples epicárdicos y técnicas cartográficas. Se estudian 4 series: control (n = 9); durante la perfusión del antagonista de los receptores de la angiotensina II, losartán (1 miM, n = 8); durante la perfusión del bloqueador del receptor de la endotelina A, BQ-123 (0,1 miM, n = 9), y durante la perfusión del inhibidor del intercambiador Na+/H+, EIPA (5-[N-ethyl-N-isopropyl]-amiloride) (1 miM, n = 9). Resultados: EIPA atenuó el aumento de la frecuencia dominante de la fibrilación producido por el estiramiento (control = 40,4%; losartán = 36% [no significativo]; BQ-123 = 46% [no significativo], y EIPA = 22% [p < 0,001]). Durante el estiramiento, la complejidad de los mapas de activación fue menor en la serie con EIPA (p < 0,0001) y también en esta serie fue mayor la concentración espectral de la arritmia (mayor regularidad): control = 18 ± 3%; EIPA = 26 ± 9% (p < 0,02); losartán = 18 ± 5% (no significativo), y BQ-123 = 18 ± 4% (no significativo). Conclusiones: El inhibidor del intercambiador Na+/H+ EIPA atenúa los efectos electrofisiológicos responsables de la aceleración y del aumento de la complejidad de la fibrilación ventricular producidos por el estiramiento agudo miocárdico. Por el contrario, el antagonista de los receptores de la angiotensina II, losartán, y el del receptor A de la endotelina, BQ-123, no modifican estos efectos (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Mechanical response to myocardial stretch has been explained by various mechanisms, which include Na+ /H+ exchanger activation by autocrine-paracrine system activity. Drug-induced changes were analyzed to investigate the role of these mechanisms in the electrophysiological responses to acute myocardial stretch. Methods: Multiple epicardial electrodes and mapping techniques were used to analyze changes in ventricular fibrillation induced by acute myocardial stretch in isolated perfused rabbit hearts. Four series were studied: control (n = 9); during perfusion with the angiotensin receptor blocker losartan (1 mM, n = 8); during perfusion with the endothelin A receptor blocker BQ-123 (0.1 mM, n = 9), and during perfusion with the Na+ /H+ exchanger inhibitor EIPA (5-[N-ethyl-N-isopropyl]-amiloride) (1 mM, n = 9). Results: EIPA attenuated the increase in the dominant frequency of stretch-induced fibrillation (control = 40.4%; losartan = 36% [not significant]; BQ-123 = 46% [not significant]; and EIPA = 22% [P < .001]). During stretch, the activation maps were less complex (P < .0001) and the spectral concentration of the arrhythmia was greater (greater regularity) in the EIPA series: control = 18 (3%); EIPA = 26 (9%) (P < .02); losartan = 18 (5%) (not significant); and BQ-123 = 18 (4%) (not significant). Conclusions: The Na+ /H+ exchanger inhibitor EIPA attenuated the electrophysiological effects responsible for the acceleration and increased complexity of ventricular fibrillation induced by acute myocardial stretch. The angiotensin II receptor antagonist losartan and the endothelin A receptor blocker BQ-123 did not modify these effects (AU)

Ranolazine Attenuates the Electrophysiological Effects of Myocardial Stretch in Langendorff-Perfused Rabbit Hearts.

PURPOSE: Mechanical stretch is an arrhythmogenic factor found in situations of cardiac overload or dyssynchronic contraction. Ranolazine is an antianginal agent that inhibits the late Na (+) current and has been shown to exert a protective effect against arrhythmias. The present study aims to determine whether ranolazine modifies the electrophysiological responses induced by acute mechanical stretch. METHODS: The ventricular fibrillation modifications induced by acute stretch were studied in Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts using epicardial multiple electrodes under control conditions (n = 9) or during perfusion of the late Na(+) current blocker ranolazine 5 µM (n = 9). Spectral and mapping techniques were used to establish the ventricular fibrillation dominant frequency, the spectral concentration and the complexity of myocardial activation in three situations: baseline, stretch and post-stretch. RESULTS: Ranolazine attenuated the increase in ventricular fibrillation dominant frequency produced by stretch (23.0 vs 40.4 %) (control: baseline =13.6 ± 2.6 Hz, stretch = 19.1 ± 3.1 Hz, p < 0.0001; ranolazine: baseline = 1.4 ± 1.8 Hz, stretch =14.0 ± 2.4 Hz, p < 0.05 vs baseline, p < 0.001 vs control). During stretch, ventricular fibrillation was less complex in the ranolazine than in the control series, as evaluated by the lesser percentage of complex maps and the greater spectral concentration of ventricular fibrillation. These changes were associated to an increase in the fifth percentile of VV intervals during ventricular fibrillation (50 ± 8 vs 38 ± 5 ms, p < .01) and in the wavelength of the activation (2.4 ± 0.3 vs 1.9 ± 0.2 cm, p < 0.001) under ranolazine. CONCLUSIONS: The late inward Na(+) current inhibitor ranolazine attenuates the electrophysiological effects responsible for the acceleration and increase in complexity of ventricular fibrillation produced by myocardial stretch.

Experimental Study of the Effects of EIPA, Losartan, and BQ-123 on Electrophysiological Changes Induced by Myocardial Stretch.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Mechanical response to myocardial stretch has been explained by various mechanisms, which include Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activation by autocrine-paracrine system activity. Drug-induced changes were analyzed to investigate the role of these mechanisms in the electrophysiological responses to acute myocardial stretch. METHODS: Multiple epicardial electrodes and mapping techniques were used to analyze changes in ventricular fibrillation induced by acute myocardial stretch in isolated perfused rabbit hearts. Four series were studied: control (n = 9); during perfusion with the angiotensin receptor blocker losartan (1 µM, n = 8); during perfusion with the endothelin A receptor blocker BQ-123 (0.1 µM, n = 9), and during perfusion with the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger inhibitor EIPA (5-[N-ethyl-N-isopropyl]-amiloride) (1 µM, n = 9). RESULTS: EIPA attenuated the increase in the dominant frequency of stretch-induced fibrillation (control=40.4%; losartan=36% [not significant]; BQ-123=46% [not significant]; and EIPA=22% [P<.001]). During stretch, the activation maps were less complex (P<.0001) and the spectral concentration of the arrhythmia was greater (greater regularity) in the EIPA series: control=18 (3%); EIPA = 26 (9%) (P < .02); losartan=18 (5%) (not significant); and BQ-123=18 (4%) (not significant). CONCLUSIONS: The Na(+)/H(+) exchanger inhibitor EIPA attenuated the electrophysiological effects responsible for the acceleration and increased complexity of ventricular fibrillation induced by acute myocardial stretch. The angiotensin II receptor antagonist losartan and the endothelin A receptor blocker BQ-123 did not modify these effects.

Evaluación de la complejidad de la activación miocárdica durante la fibrilación ventricular. Estudio experimental / Evaluation of the complexity of myocardial activation during ventricular fibrillation. An experimental study

Introducción y objetivos. Analizar en un modelo experimental las características de la fibrilación ventricular en situaciones con distintos grados de complejidad y establecer la relación existente entre los datos aportados por distintos métodos de análisis de la arritmia. Métodos. En 27 preparaciones de corazón aislado de conejo estudiadas bajo la acción de fármacos (propranolol y KB-R7943) o procedimientos físicos (estiramiento) que causan distintos grados de variación de la complejidad de la activación miocárdica durante la arritmia, se han utilizado técnicas espectrales, morfológicas y cartográficas para procesar los registros obtenidos con multielectrodos epicárdicos. Resultados. La complejidad de la fibrilación ventricular objetivada mediante procedimientos cartográficos se ha relacionado con la frecuencia dominante, la energía normalizada del espectro, el índice de regularidad de las señales, sus coeficientes de variación y el área de las regiones de interés identificadas a partir de estos parámetros. En el análisis multivariable, se han aceptado como variables independientes el área de las regiones de interés relacionadas con la energía espectral y el coeficiente de variación de la energía (índice de complejidad = -0,005 × área de las regiones de la energía espectral -2,234 × coeficiente de variación de la energía +1,578; p = 0,0001; r = 0,68). Conclusiones. Los indicadores espectrales, morfológicos y, de manera independiente, los derivados del análisis de las regiones de interés de la energía normalizada permiten aproximarse de manera fiable a la evaluación de la complejidad de la fibrilación ventricular como una alternativa a los complejos procedimientos cartográficos (AU)

Introduction and objectives. An experimental model is used to analyze the characteristics of ventricular fibrillation in situations of variable complexity, establishing relationships among the data produced by different methods for analyzing the arrhythmia. Methods. In 27 isolated rabbit heart preparations studied under the action of drugs (propranolol and KB-R7943) or physical procedures (stretching) that produce different degrees of change in the complexity of myocardial activation during ventricular fibrillation, use was made of spectral, morphological, and mapping techniques to process the recordings obtained with epicardial multielectrodes. Results. The complexity of ventricular fibrillation assessed by mapping techniques was related to the dominant frequency, normalized spectral energy, signal regularity index, and their corresponding coefficients of variation, as well as the area of the regions of interest identified on the basis of these parameters. In the multivariate analysis, we used as independent variables the area of the regions of interest related to the spectral energy and the coefficient of variation of the energy (complexity index = -0.005 × area of the spectral energy regions -2.234 × coefficient of variation of the energy +1.578; P=.0001; r=0.68). Conclusions. The spectral and morphological indicators and, independently, those derived from the analysis of normalized energy regions of interest provide a reliable approach to the evaluation of the complexity of ventricular fibrillation as an alternative to complex mapping techniques (AU)

Evaluation of the complexity of myocardial activation during ventricular fibrillation. An experimental study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: An experimental model is used to analyze the characteristics of ventricular fibrillation in situations of variable complexity, establishing relationships among the data produced by different methods for analyzing the arrhythmia. METHODS: In 27 isolated rabbit heart preparations studied under the action of drugs (propranolol and KB-R7943) or physical procedures (stretching) that produce different degrees of change in the complexity of myocardial activation during ventricular fibrillation, use was made of spectral, morphological, and mapping techniques to process the recordings obtained with epicardial multielectrodes. RESULTS: The complexity of ventricular fibrillation assessed by mapping techniques was related to the dominant frequency, normalized spectral energy, signal regularity index, and their corresponding coefficients of variation, as well as the area of the regions of interest identified on the basis of these parameters. In the multivariate analysis, we used as independent variables the area of the regions of interest related to the spectral energy and the coefficient of variation of the energy (complexity index=-0.005×area of the spectral energy regions -2.234×coefficient of variation of the energy+1.578; P=.0001; r=0.68). CONCLUSIONS: The spectral and morphological indicators and, independently, those derived from the analysis of normalized energy regions of interest provide a reliable approach to the evaluation of the complexity of ventricular fibrillation as an alternative to complex mapping techniques.

Protein kinase A signalling is involved in the relaxant responses to the selective ß-oestrogen receptor agonist diarylpropionitrile in rat aortic smooth muscle in vitro.

OBJECTIVES: The oestrogen receptor ß (ERß) selective agonist diarylpropionitrile (DPN) relaxes endothelium-denuded rat aorta, but the signalling mechanism is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess whether protein kinase A (PKA) signalling is involved in DPN action. METHODS: cAMP was measured by radioimmunoassay, HSP20 phosphorylation by 2D gel electrophoresis with immunoblotting, and membrane potential and free cytosolic calcium by flow cytometry. KEY FINDINGS: DPN increased cAMP content and hyperpolarised cell membranes over the same range of concentrations as it relaxed phenylephrine-precontracted aortic rings (10-300 µM). DPN-induced vasorelaxation was largely reduced by the PKA inhibitors Rp-8-Br-cAMPS (8-bromoadenosine-3', 5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, Rp-isomer) and H-89 (N-(2-bromocynnamyl(amino)ethyl)-5-isoquinoline sulfonamide HCl) (-73%) and by the adenylate cyclase inhibitor MDL12330A (cis-N-(2-phenylcyclopentyl)-azacyclotridec-1-en-2-amine)) (-65.5%). Conversely, the PKG inhibitor Rp-8-Br-cGMP was inactive against DPN vasorelaxation. In aortic smooth muscle segments, DPN increased PKA-dependent HSP20 phosphorylation, an effect reversed by H-89. Relaxant responses to DPN were modestly antagonised (-23 to -48% reduction; n=12 per compound) by the potassium channel inhibitors iberiotoxin, PNU-37883A, 4-aminopyridine, or BaCl(2) . All four potassium channel inhibitors together reduced DPN relaxation by 86±9% (n=12) and fully blocked DPN hyperpolarisation. CONCLUSIONS: ERß-dependent relaxation of rat aortic smooth muscle evokes an adenylate cyclase/cAMP/PKA signalling pathway, likely activating the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator chloride channel and at least four potassium channels.