Evidence for the stimulatory effect of resveratrol on Ca(2+)-activated K+ current in vascular endothelial cells

OBJECTIVE

Resveratrol, a natural phytoalexin compound, is present in grapes and wine, and it can produce vasorelaxation. However, little is known of its mechanisms of action on ionic currents in endothelial cells.

METHODS

The effect of resveratrol on Ca(2+)-activated K+ currents in an endothelial cell line (HUV-EC-C) originally derived from human umbilical vein was investigated with the aid of the patch-clamp technique.

RESULTS

In the whole-cell configuration, resveratrol reversibly increased the amplitude of K+ outward currents. The increase in outward current caused by resveratrol was greatly inhibited by iberiotoxin (200 nM) or paxilline (1 microM), but not by glibenclamide (10 microM), tamoxifen (10 microM), or beta-bungarotoxin (200 nM). Thus, this outward current is believed to be Ca(2+)-activated K+ current (I K(Ca)). In the inside-out configuration, bath application of resveratrol (30 microM) caused no change in the single-channel conductance, but increased the activity of large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ (BKCa) channels. Resveratrol enhanced the channel activity in a concentration-dependent manner. The EC50 value for resveratrol-induced channel activity was 20 microM. The resveratrol-stimulated increase in the channel activity was independent of internal Ca2+. Resveratrol (30 microM) also shifted the activation curve of BKCa channels to less positive membrane potentials. The change in the kinetic behavior of BKCa channels caused by resveratrol in these cells in due to an increase in mean open time and a decrease in mean closed time. In a pancreatic islet endothelial cell line (MS1), resveratrol (30 microM) also increased the activity of intermediate-conductance KCa channels.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide evidence that in addition to the presence of antioxidative activity, resveratrol can also stimulate KCa channels in endothelial cells. The direct stimulation of these KCa channels by resveratrol may be responsible for its effect on the functional activities of endothelial cells.

Prevention of the initiation of atrial fibrillation: mechanism and efficacy of different atrial pacing modes

Several atrial pacing modes have been reported to be effective in the prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF); they included biatrial pacing, dual site right atrial pacing, Bachmann's bundle (BB) pacing, and coronary sinus pacing. However, the relative efficacy and electrophysiological mechanisms of these pacing modes in the prevention of AF are not clear. In 15 patients (age 54 +/- 14 years) with paroxysmal AF, P wave duration, effective refractory period, and atrial conduction time were determined with six different atrial drive pacings, that were right atrial appendage (RAA), BB, right posterior interatrial septum (RPS), distal coronary sinus (DCS), RAA plus RPS simultaneously (DSA), and RAA plus DCS simultaneously (BiA). All these patients consistently had AF induced with early RAA extrastimulation coupling to RAA drive pacing. No patient had AF induced with RAA extrastimulation coupled to BB, RPS, or DCS drive pacing, but seven and eight patients had AF induced with RAA extrastimulation coupled to DSA and BiA drive pacing, respectively. The P wave duration was longest during RAA pacing, and became shorter during other atrial pacing modes. Analysis of electrophysiological change showed that early RAA extrastimulation coupled to RAA drive pacing caused the longest atrial conduction delay among these atrial pacing modes; BB, RPS, and DCS drive pacing caused a greater reduction of this conduction delay than DSA and BiA drive pacing. In addition, the effective refractory periods of RAA determined with BB, RPS, and DCS drive pacing were similar and longer than that determined with DSA and BiA drive pacing. In patients with paroxysmal AF, this arrhythmia was readily induced with RAA extrastimuli coupled to RAA drive pacing. BB, RPS, and DCS pacing were similar and more effective than DSA and BiA pacing in preventing AF.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation initiated by pulmonary vein ectopic beats

Ectopic beats from the pulmonary veins (PVs) have been demonstrated to initiate atrial fibrillation (AF). This article describes the conceptual approach to mapping, interpretation of different electrograms, and ablation of AF initiated by PV ectopic beats.

Proarrhythmic effects of ibutilide in a canine model of pacing induced cardiomyopathy

The authors developed a canine model of pacing induced cardiomyopathy to study the possible mechanisms of ibutilide induced torsades de pointes (TP) in heart failure. Thirteen dogs received intravenous ibutilide after acute AV block for 60 minutes, and after implantation of a VVI pacemaker, with a rate of 270 beats/min for 2-3 weeks. Twelve-lead ECG and right and left ventricle monophasic action potentials were recorded at different right ventricle pacing cycle lengths from 600 ms to 1200 ms during the study. The results showed ibutilide could significantly prolong ventricular repolarization and increase the dispersion in a dose dependent and reverse use dependent manner. Furthermore, after ibutilide administration, cardiomyopathic dogs had a greater dispersion of ventricular repolarization, and also had higher incidences of early afterdepolarizations and spontaneous or pacing induced TP than acute AV block dogs.

Effect of verapamil on long-term tachycardia-induced atrial electrical remodeling

BACKGROUND

The effect of verapamil on long-term tachycardia-induced atrial electrical remodeling has not been reported.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Forty-eight dogs were randomly divided into verapamil and control groups. The dogs in the verapamil group received verapamil 120 mg every day, those in the control group did not receive verapamil. Atrial effective refractory period (AERP), inducibility of atrial fibrillation (AF), and duration of AF were assessed before and after complete atrioventricular junction ablation with 1-day, 1-week, or 6-week rapid atrial pacing (780 bpm). AERP shortening, AERP dispersion, AERP maladaptation, and inducibility of AF after 1-day pacing was significantly attenuated by verapamil. However, verapamil did not have any significant effect on these parameters in the dogs with 1-week or 6-week pacing. Verapamil did not have any significant effect on the conduction velocity in the dogs with 1-day, 1-week, or 6-week pacing. Before rapid atrial pacing, verapamil significantly prolonged the duration of AF. In the dogs with 1-day pacing, the duration of AF measured immediately after termination of pacing was similar between the control and verapamil groups. However, in the dogs with 1-week or 6-week pacing, the duration of AF after pacing was significantly longer in the verapamil group.

CONCLUSIONS

Verapamil cannot prevent long-term (1 and 6 weeks, respectively) tachycardia-induced changes of atrial electrophysiological properties. Furthermore, verapamil increases the duration of AF in the dogs either before or after long-term rapid atrial pacing.

Impact of transisthmus linear ablation of typical atrial flutter on coronary sinus activation time

Complete or incomplete bidirectional isthmus conduction block after linear ablation of atrial flutter is difficult to interpret without detailed multiple electrodes mapping along the tricuspid annulus and the low right atrial isthmus area. The influence of isthmus block on the intraatrial septal and coronary sinus activation has not been assessed by endocardial mapping. This study was designed to analyze the intraartial and interatrial activation times in a retrospective fashion to investigate (1) whether isthmus conduction block can change the coronary sinus activation sequence during low lateral right atrial pacing, and (2) the correlation between change of coronary sinus activation time and isthmus conduction block. Sixty-five consecutive patients (mean age, 57 +/- 18 years) with clinically documented typical atrial flutter were studied. A 20-pole "Halo" catheter was placed around the tricuspid annulus including the entire low right atrial isthmus to verify complete bidirectional isthmus block. Activation time from ostium to distal coronary sinus (OCS-->DCS), and interatrial septum and isthmus activation times during right atrial pacing were analyzed and compared before and after incomplete or complete isthmus block. Complete bidirectional isthmus block was achieved in 50 (77%) patients. During low lateral right atrial pacing, linear ablation at low right atrial isthmus results in a significant delay of activation in all coronary sinus recording sites with greater extent at the ostium area without influence on interatrial septum activation in complete and incomplete isthmus conduction block. The difference of the OCS-->DCS interval before and after ablation, delta (OCS-->DCS), was well correlated with results of isthmus conduction block and significantly longer in patients with complete than those with incomplete isthmus block (34 +/- 11 vs 11 +/- 8 ms, P < 0.001), thereby allowing a value of 20 ms as a discriminative parameter to differentiate incomplete (< 20 ms) from complete (> or = 20 ms) isthmus counterclockwise conduction block with a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 88%. In conclusion, creation of a line of block at the inferior vena cava-tricuspid annulus isthmus could change coronary sinus activation sequence during low lateral right atrial pacing in sinus rhythm. The change of coronary sinus activation time after linear ablation, delta (OCS-->DCS), was well correlated with isthmus conduction block by using a value > or = 20 ms to discern complete counterclockwise isthmus block.

Radiofrequency catheter modification of atrioventricular junction in patients with COPD and medically refractory multifocal atrial tachycardia

BACKGROUND

Multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT) is a difficult clinical problem generally associated with acute cardiorespiratory illness. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and clinical usefulness of atrioventricular (AV) junction modification as a nonpharmacologic therapy for medically refractory MAT.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirteen patients with COPD and medically refractory MAT underwent AV junction modification. Complications and outcome of this procedure were monitored. Subjective perceptions of quality of life assessed by a semiquantitative questionnaire and cardiac performance study were obtained before ablation (baseline) and 1 and 6 months after ablation. Radiofrequency energy was applied until the average ventricular rate fell to < 100 beats/min. Ablation procedures controlled the ventricular response in 11 of 13 patients (84%). One patient had unsuccessful modification. Another patient developed delayed complete AV block on the second day after ablation. In these 13 patients, average ventricular rate was reduced from a mean of 145 +/- 11 to 89 +/- 22 beats/min immediately after the ablation (p < 0.01). One patient had recurrent symptomatic MAT at 1 month after ablation; this patient underwent a second procedure without late recurrence. All patients were followed up for at least 6 months (mean, 11 +/- 5 months; range, 6 to 18 months). General quality of life and frequency of significant symptoms improved significantly in patients with successful modification at 1 and 6 months. The left ventricular ejection fraction increased significantly after ablation (44.5 +/- 7.3% at baseline, 49.4 +/- 4. 2% at 1 month, and 50.0 +/- 4.9% at 6 months; all p < 0.05). However, right ventricular ejection fraction remained unchanged (34.7 +/- 6. 2% at baseline, 35.7 +/- 4.4% at 1 month, and 34.3 +/- 4.6% at 6 months; all p > 0.05). The consumption of health-care resources (including frequency of hospital admission and emergency department attendance, antiarrhythmic drug trials) decreased significantly 6 months after AV junction modification. Pulmonary function and theophylline level remained unchanged during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

AV junction modification offers an effective therapy for controlling ventricular rate in medically refractory MAT. This procedure improves the quality of life and left ventricular function in selected patients with symptomatic and medically refractory MAT.

Inducibility of atrial fibrillation during atrioventricular pacing with varying intervals: role of atrial electrophysiology and the autonomic nervous system

INTRODUCTION

Patients receiving VVI pacemakers have a higher incidence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) than those receiving DDD pacemakers. However, the mechanism behind the difference is not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether atrial electrophysiology and the autonomic nervous system play a role in the occurrence of AF during AV pacing.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study population consisted of 28 patients who had (group I, n = 15) or did not have (group II, n = 13) AF induced by a single extrastimulus during pacing with different AV intervals. Atrial pressure, atrial size, atrial effective refractory periods, and atrial dispersion were evaluated during pacing with different AV intervals. Twenty-four-hour heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity also were examined. Atrial pressure, atrial size, effective refractory periods in the right posterolateral atrium and distal coronary sinus, and atrial dispersion increased as the AV interval shortened from 160 to 0 msec. During AV pacing, group I patients had greater minimal (52+/-17 vs 25+/-7 msec; P < 0.005) and maximal (76+/-16 vs 36+/-9 msec; P < 0.005) atrial dispersion than group II patients. The differences in atrial size and atrial dispersion among different AV intervals were greater in patients with AF than in those without AF. Baroreflex sensitivity (6.6+/-1.7 vs 3.9+/-1.0; P < 0.00005), but not heart rate variability, was higher in patients with AF than in those without AF.

CONCLUSION

Abnormal atrial electrophysiology and higher vagal reflex activity can play important roles in the genesis of AF in patients receiving pacemakers.

Alterations of heart rate variability after radiofrequency catheter ablation of focal atrial fibrillation originating from pulmonary veins

BACKGROUND

Transient sinus bradycardia and hypotension have been reported as complications during radiofrequency (RF) ablation of focal atrial fibrillation (AF) originating from pulmonary veins (PVs). This study used heart rate variability (HRV) to evaluate the effects of focal PVs ablation on autonomic function.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients with paroxysmal AF were referred for ablation. The study group included 30 patients who underwent transseptal ablation of PVs, and the control group included 7 patients who underwent the transseptal procedure without ablation. The mean sinus rate and time-domain (standard deviation of RR intervals and root-mean-square of differences of adjacent RR intervals) and frequency-domain (low frequency, high frequency, and low-frequency/high-frequency ratio) analyses of HRV were obtained by use of 24-hour Holter monitoring before and 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after ablation. All the triggering points of AF were from PVs, and they were successfully ablated. Severe bradycardia and hypotension were noted during ablation of PVs in 6 patients (group IA); 24 patients without the above complication belonged to group IB. Compared with preablation values, a significant increase in mean sinus rate and low-frequency/high-frequency ratio and a significant decrease in standard deviation of RR intervals, root-mean-square of differences of adjacent RR intervals, low frequency, and high frequency were noted in groups IA and IB patients 1 week after ablation. The changes in HR and HRV recovered spontaneously in the 2 subgroups by 1 month later. These parameters of HRV did not change in the control group after the transseptal procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Transient autonomic dysfunction with alterations in HR and HRV occurred after ablation of focal AF originating from PVs.

Initiation of atrial fibrillation by ectopic beats originating from the pulmonary veins: electrophysiological characteristics, pharmacological responses, and effects of radiofrequency ablation

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) can be initiated by ectopic beats originating from the atrial or great venous tissues. This study investigated the anatomic characteristics and electrophysiological properties of pulmonary veins (PVs), as well as the possible mechanisms and response to drugs of ectopic foci, and assessed the effects of radiofrequency (RF) ablation on AF initiated by ectopic beats originating from PVs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients with frequent episodes of paroxysmal AF and 10 control patients were included. Distal PVs showed the shortest effective refractory periods (ERPs), and right superior PVs showed a higher incidence of intra-PV conduction block than left superior PVs. Superior and left PVs had longer myocardial sleeves than inferior and right PVs, respectively. These electrophysiological characteristics were similar between AF and control patients. Propranolol, verapamil, and procainamide suppressed ectopic beats that originated from the PVs. Of 116 ectopic foci that initiated AF, 103 (88.8%) originated from PVs. A mean of 7+/-3 RF applications completely eliminated 110 ectopic foci (94.8%). During the 6+/-2-month follow-up period, 68 patients (86. 1%) were free of AF without any antiarrhythmic drugs. Follow-up transesophageal echocardiogram showed 42.4% of ablated PVs had focal stenosis. One patient had mild exertional dyspnea after ablation, but it resolved 3 months later; 1 patient had onset of mild exertional dyspnea 5 months after ablation.

CONCLUSIONS

Electrophysiological characteristics of PVs are different from those in the atria. Ectopic beats from PVs can initiate AF, and beta-adrenergic receptor blocker, calcium channel blockers, and sodium channel blockers can suppress these ectopic beats. Careful mapping and elimination of these ectopic foci can cure paroxysmal AF.

Early recurrence of atrial fibrillation after external cardioversion

Early recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been reported to occur in a significant number of patients after internal cardioversion. However, information about early recurrence of AF after external cardioversion has never been reported. The present study was conducted to investigate the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of early recurrence of AF and its role in failure of cardioversion in patients with chronic AF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study included 50 consecutive patients, age 69+/-9, with a history of chronic AF for more than 3 months duration and electrical cardioversion. They were divided into two groups according to the presence (group 1) or absence (group 2) of early recurrence of AF. There were 13 (26%) patients in group 1 and 37 (74%) patients in group 2. The age, gender, duration of AF, left ventricular function, left atrial dimension, and underlying heart disease were similar between group 1 and 2. Forty-five patients were successfully converted to sinus rhythm with a mean energy of 158+/-57 . Among those who failed to be converted to sinus rhythm, 4 (80%) belonged to group 1 and 1 (20%) belonged to group 2. The early recurrences of AF were initiated with consecutive APDs; but the numbers of APD in the first 30 seconds after cardioversion were similar between group 1 and 2. However, the coupling interval of the second APD was shorter in group 1 than group 2 (188+/-22 vs 324+/-59 ms, P = 0.003). Nine of the 13 early recurrences were prevented by an increase of shock energy (n = 3) or intravenous amiodarone infusion (n = 6). There were no differences in duration of follow-up, recurrence rate, and time interval to recurrence between group 1 and group 2. Early recurrence of AF occurred in 26% of chronic AF patients who underwent external electrical cardioversion and was a major cause of failure in cardioversion. Early recurrence of AF was initiated by APDs with decreasing coupling intervals and could be prevented with an increase of shock energy or amiodarone.

Persistent atrial flutter in patients treated for atrial fibrillation with amiodarone and propafenone: electrophysiologic characteristics, radiofrequency catheter ablation, and risk prediction

INTRODUCTION

Antiarrhythmic drugs have been reported to promote the conversion of atrial fibrillation to atrial flutter in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. However, information about the electrophysiologic mechanism and response to radiofrequency ablation of these drug-induced atrial flutters is limited. Furthermore, the determinants of the development of persistent atrial flutter in patients treated for atrial fibrillation with antiarrhythmic drugs are still unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Among the 136 patients treated for atrial fibrillation with amiodarone (n = 96) or propafenone (n = 40), 15 (11%, mean age 65.5 +/- 12.3 years) were identified to have subsequent development of persistent atrial flutter based on surface ECG characteristics during antiarrhythmic drug treatment. The mean interval between the beginning of drug treatment and the onset of atrial flutter was 5.0 +/- 5.5 months. Intracardiac mapping and entrainment studies revealed that 11 patients had counterclockwise typical atrial flutter, and 4 had clockwise typical atrial flutter. All 15 patients underwent successful ablation with creation of complete bidirectional isthmus conduction block. After a mean follow-up of 12.3 +/- 4.2 months, 14 (93%) of 15 patients who underwent successful ablation and continued taking antiarrhythmic drugs have remained in sinus rhythm. Univariate analysis of clinical variables demonstrated that only atrial enlargement was significantly related to the occurrence of persistent atrial flutter.

CONCLUSION

In patients with atrial fibrillation, persistent typical atrial flutter might occur during antiarrhythmic drug treatment, and atrial enlargement was a risk factor for the development of such an arrhythmia. Radiofrequency ablation and continuation of pharmacologic therapy offered a safe and effective means of achieving and maintaining sinus rhythm.

Is 8-mm more effective than 4-mm tip electrode catheter for ablation of typical atrial flutter?

BACKGROUND

The prospective, randomized study comparing 4- with 8-mm tip electrodes for radiofrequency linear ablation of typical atrial flutter is not available.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 104 consecutive patients with typical atrial flutter were randomly assigned to undergo radiofrequency linear ablation using a 4- (Group I, n=54) or 8-mm tip electrode (Group II, n=50) catheter (temperature-control model, preset 70 degrees C). If complete bidirectional isthmus block could not be achieved after 5 pulses, the ablation catheter was changed to the other type; the maximal radiofrequency pulse number was limited to <10 pulses. Complete or incomplete isthmus conduction block was assessed by activation sequence in a multielectrode Halo catheter during low lateral right atrial and proximal coronary sinus pacing. Before shifting to the other catheter type, the 8-mm electrode catheter achieved higher complete isthmus block rate (92% versus 67%, P<0.05) with fewer pulses (2+/-1 versus 3+/-1, P<0.05), shorter procedure time (24+/-15 versus 31+/-12 minutes, P<0.05), and shorter fluoroscopic time (14+/-10 versus 23+/-15 minutes, P<0.05). After 5 failed ablation pulses, 12 (67%) of 18 patients in group I attained complete isthmus block by using an 8-mm tip catheter, but none of 4 patients in group II achieved complete block by changing to a 4-mm tip catheter.

CONCLUSIONS

The 8-mm tip electrodes are more effective than the standard 4-mm length electrodes in linear ablation for typical atrial flutter. This clinical benefit may be of particular value for some patients with broad and/or thick isthmus.

Electropharmacologic characteristics of ventricular proarrhythmia induced by ibutilide

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vivo the proarrhythmic effects of ibutilide in dogs with or without ventricular hypertrophy. Fourteen dogs received repeated experiments both during the acute and chronic phases (8 weeks, with ventricular hypertrophy) of complete atrioventricular (AV) block. Twelve-lead ECG, monophasic action potentials in the left and right ventricle were recorded before and after each dose of ibutilide (0.01-0.08 mg/kg) during different ventricular rates. In these dogs, ibutilide increased QT interval, biventricular APD90, interventricular deltaAPD90 (difference between the left and right ventricular APD90), and QT dispersion, and induced early afterdepolarizations in a dose-dependent manner. The interventricular deltaAPD90, QT dispersion, and increases of QT interval were more pronounced during slower ventricular rates. There were greater QT interval, biventricular APD90 interventricular deltaAPD90, and QT dispersion values during chronic AV block than during acute AV block. Moreover, ibutilide can induce higher incidences of early afterdepolarizations and torsades de pointes [six (43%) of 14 versus 0 of 14; p < 0.05] during chronic AV block than during acute AV block. In conclusion, ibutilide can prolong ventricular repolarization and increase dispersion of ventricular repolarization in a dose-dependent and reverse rate-dependent manner. The high incidence of torsades de pointes in the dogs during chronic AV block suggests the importance of ventricular hypertrophy in the occurrence of ibutilide-induced proarrhythmia.

Effects of radiofrequency catheter ablation on quality of life in patients with atrial flutter

The long-term effects of radiofrequency catheter ablation on quality of life in patients with typical atrial flutter are still unknown. This study included 100 consecutive patients with clinically documented typical atrial flutter. Subjective perception of quality of life was assessed by a semiquantitative questionnaire before, and 1 and 6 months after ablation. Ablation of typical atrial flutter was associated with a significant improvement in the general quality of life, frequency of significant symptoms, and symptoms during attacks. The frequency of hospital admission and emergency room visits, and number of antiarrhythmic drugs significantly decreased after ablation. Activity capacity significantly improved after ablation in patients with depressed left ventricular function. All improvements after ablation were maintained over 6-month follow-up. However, patients with atrial fibrillation compared with those without atrial fibrillation before ablation had less improvement in the general quality of life, frequency of significant symptoms, and symptoms during attacks (including palpitation, asthenia, effort, dyspnea, rest dyspnea, and dizziness). Furthermore, patients with atrial fibrillation before ablation needed more antiarrhythmic drugs, and had a higher frequency of hospital admission and emergent room visits at 6-month follow-up (all variables p <0.01). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only the presence of atrial fibrillation before ablation could independently predict improvement in general quality of life (p = 0.03), frequency of significant symptoms (p = 0.03), symptoms during attacks (p = 0.04), and decrease in the consumption of health care resources including antiarrhythmic drugs (p = 0.01), hospital admission (p = 0.02), and emergency room visits (p = 0.02). Ablation of typical atrial flutter could significantly improve quality of life, but patients who had atrial flutter associated with atrial fibrillation before ablation had less improvement than those without atrial fibrillation.

Change of atrial refractory period after short duration of rapid atrial pacing: regional differences and possible mechanisms

It is unknown whether there are regional differences in the change of atrial effective refractory period (ERP) after a short duration of rapid atrial pacing. Furthermore, the effects of calcium channel and potassium channel on this phenomenon have not been extensively investigated. In opened-chest dogs, the endocardial monophasic action potential duration at 90% repolarization (APD90) from the right atrial appendage, and ERP from seven atrial sites were measured before and after rapid atrial pacing at 800 beats/min for 30 minutes. Both atrial ERP and APD90 significantly shortened after rapid atrial pacing. The postpacing atrial ERP and APD90 shortening persisted for 119 +/- 3 and 123 +/- 4 seconds after cessation of pacing, respectively. There was no significant difference in the magnitude or recovery course of atrial ERP shortening after pacing among the seven atrial sites. Pretreatment with nicorandil and d-sotalol had no effects on the magnitude or recovery course of atrial ERP shortening after pacing. However, the degree of ERP and APD90 shortening after pacing was significantly attenuated in the verapamil and ryanodine groups; furthermore, the recovery of ERP and APD90 after cessation of pacing was faster in the two groups. In conclusion, shortening of atrial ERP induced by short-duration rapid atrial pacing was uniform in both atria. Both the adenosine triphosphatase (ATP) dependent potassium current and rapid component of the delayed rectifier did not significantly influence this phenomenon, but both the verapamil and ryanodine could significantly attenuate the degree of atrial ERP and APD90 shortening.

Reversal of atrial electrical remodeling following cardioversion of long-standing atrial fibrillation in man

BACKGROUND

In animal studies, atrial fibrillation has been shown to shorten the atrial refractory period and impair its rate adaptation. However, little is known about the effects of chronic atrial fibrillation on atrial electrophysiology and its recovery course in humans.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Nineteen patients, mean age 64 +/- 14 years, with chronic atrial fibrillation of more than six months duration were included in this study. All of them were successfully converted to sinus rhythm with an external defibrillator. Atrial effective refractory periods at right atrial appendage and distal coronary sinus were determined with five pacing cycle lengths (300, 400, 500, 600 and 700 ms) at 30 min after cardioversion and once a day for four days. The atrial conduction properties, including P wave duration of surface ECG, and right and left atrial conduction times, were also measured at the same time interval. Twenty age-matched patients without a history of atrial tachyarrhythmia were evaluated as controls. In comparison with controls, chronic atrial fibrillation significantly shortened the atrial effective refractory period, impaired its rate adaptation response, especially at distal coronary sinus, and depressed the conduction properties of atria. The atrial conduction properties did not change during the four-day follow-up period; however, the atrial effective refractory period was gradually prolonged and its rate adaptation response improved after restoration of sinus rhythm.

CONCLUSIONS

In humans, chronic atrial fibrillation significantly shortened the atrial effective refractory period, and impaired its rate adaptation response. Restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm could reverse these electrophysiological changes.

Effects of 17beta-estradiol on tachycardia-induced changes of atrial refractoriness and cisapride-induced ventricular arrhythmia

INTRODUCTION

Gender difference is known to be associated with the occurrence of arrhythmia. However, the effects of female sex hormone on atrial electrophysiology, and on the occurrence of torsades de pointes (TdP) induced by cisapride have been unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Two experiments were included in this study. In experiment 1, effective refractory periods (ERPs) from five epicardial atrial sites were measured before and after rapid atrial pacing at 800 beats/min for 30 minutes in dogs with pretreatment of verapamil (n = 10), 17beta-estradiol (n = 10), or without pretreatment (n = 10, control group). In experiment 2, limb-lead ECG and monophasic action potentials in the left and right ventricles were recorded before and after each dose of cisapride (2 to 6 mg/kg) during different ventricular rates in dogs with (n = 9) and without (n = 14) concomitant administration of 17beta-estradiol (0.3 microg/kg). After 17beta-estradiol administration, there were greater atrial ERPs in the study dogs than in the control group. The atrial ERPs were shortened significantly after rapid atrial pacing, but the degree was greater in the control group than in the dogs pretreated with verapamil or 17beta-estradiol. Moreover, the recovery of atrial ERPs was faster in dogs pretreated with verapamil or 17beta-estradiol than in the control group. In experiment 2, cisapride prolonged the QT interval and biventricular APD90 and induced early afterdepolarizations (EADs) in a dose-dependent manner. However, dogs receiving cisapride combined with 17beta-estradiol had a greater increase of ventricular repolarization and a higher incidence of EADs than those receiving cisapride only. Moreover, dogs receiving cisapride combined with 17beta-estradiol (3/9, 33%) had a greater incidence of TdP than those receiving cisapride only (0/14, 0%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

17beta-estradiol has a significant effect on atrial electrophysiology, which may be related to the prevention of atrial fibrillation. However, the high incidence of TdP in dogs receiving cisapride combined with 17beta-estradiol suggests that the female sex hormone is an important risk factor of cisapride-induced proarrhythmia.

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.

Right atrial focal atrial fibrillation: electrophysiologic characteristics and radiofrequency catheter ablation

INTRODUCTION

Information about focal atrial fibrillation (AF) originating from the right atrium has not been well described. The purposes of this study were to demonstrate the electrophysiologic characteristics and radiofrequency catheter ablation in patients who had right atrial focal AF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From January 1996 to September 1998, 172 patients with clinically documented attacks of paroxysmal AF were referred to this institution for electrophysiologic study and/or radiofrequency catheter ablation. Anterior free wall, crista terminalis, and right and left superior pulmonary veins were mapped simultaneously. Eight patients (4.7%) had right atrial focal AF, consistent activation sequence, irregular fibrillation interval (mean fibrillation interval: 164 +/- 11 msec), and episodes of exit block from the initiating foci observed. The presumed ablation site was chosen on the basis of the earliest bipolar activity relative to an atrial electrogram reference during the initiation of AF. After application of 2 +/- 1 radiofrequency pulses, AF was eliminated without recurrence during the follow-up period (mean: 14 +/- 8 months; range: 3 to 25). Twenty-four-hour Holter monitoring showed that the number of atrial premature beats decreased significantly at the 3-month follow-up (4,216 +/- 411 vs 135 +/- 14 beats/day).

CONCLUSION

Right atrial focal AF is one subgroup of focal AF, and it can be cured by radiofrequency catheter ablation.

Characteristics and radiofrequency catheter ablation of septal accessory atrioventricular pathways

Septal accessory AV pathways are located in the complex AV septal space that also contains the specialized conduction system. They have unique electrocardiographical and electrophysiological characteristics to be differentiated from free-wall accessory pathways. Some of the septal pathways have AV nodelike conduction properties and produce a similar activation sequence in the retrograde conduction. Several methods have been developed to distinguish them from AV nodal pathways. Radiofrequency catheter ablation using the titration method and endocardial approach without entrance into the coronary sinus is effective in eliminating most of the septal accessory pathways without impairment of AV conduction. However, some posteroseptal accessory pathways may require energy application inside the coronary sinus, thus information of the coronary sinus anatomy is important for preventing complication.