1
|
Ashton JL, Prince B, Sands G, Argent L, Anderson M, Smith JEG, Tedoldi A, Ahmad A, Baddeley D, Pereira AG, Lever N, Ramanathan T, Smaill BH, Montgomery JM. Electrophysiology and 3D-imaging reveal properties of human intracardiac neurons and increased excitability with atrial fibrillation. J Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38687681 DOI: 10.1113/jp286278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Altered autonomic input to the heart plays a major role in atrial fibrillation (AF). Autonomic neurons termed ganglionated plexi (GP) are clustered on the heart surface to provide the last point of neural control of cardiac function. To date the properties of GP neurons in humans are unknown. Here we have addressed this knowledge gap in human GP neuron structure and physiology in patients with and without AF. Human right atrial GP neurons embedded in epicardial adipose tissue were excised during open heart surgery performed on both non-AF and AF patients and then characterised physiologically by whole cell patch clamp techniques. Structural analysis was also performed after fixation at both the single cell and at the entire GP levels via three-dimensional confocal imaging. Human GP neurons were found to exhibit unique properties and structural complexity with branched neurite outgrowth. Significant differences in excitability were revealed between AF and non-AF GP neurons as measured by lower current to induce action potential firing, a reduced occurrence of low action potential firing rates, decreased accommodation and increased synaptic density. Visualisation of entire GPs showed almost all neurons are cholinergic with a small proportion of noradrenergic and dual phenotype neurons. Phenotypic distribution differences occurred with AF including decreased cholinergic and dual phenotype neurons, and increased noradrenergic neurons. These data show both functional and structural differences occur between GP neurons from patients with and without AF, highlighting that cellular plasticity occurs in neural input to the heart that could alter autonomic influence on atrial function. KEY POINTS: The autonomic nervous system plays a critical role in regulating heart rhythm and the initiation of AF; however, the structural and functional properties of human autonomic neurons in the autonomic ganglionated plexi (GP) remain unknown. Here we perform the first whole cell patch clamp electrophysiological and large tissue confocal imaging analysis of these neurons from patients with and without AF. Our data show human GP neurons are functionally and structurally complex. Measurements of action potential kinetics show higher excitability in GP neurons from AF patients as measured by lower current to induce action potential firing, reduced low firing action potential rates, and decreased action potential accommodation. Confocal imaging shows increased synaptic density and noradrenergic phenotypes in patients with AF. Both functional and structural differences occur in GP neurons from patients with AF that could alter autonomic influence on atrial rhythm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J L Ashton
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland and Pūtahi Manawa Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - B Prince
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland and Pūtahi Manawa Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - G Sands
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - L Argent
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland and Pūtahi Manawa Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - M Anderson
- Cardiothoracic Surgical Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J E G Smith
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland and Pūtahi Manawa Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - A Tedoldi
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland and Pūtahi Manawa Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - A Ahmad
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland and Pūtahi Manawa Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - D Baddeley
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - A G Pereira
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - N Lever
- Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland and Pūtahi Manawa Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Cardiology, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - T Ramanathan
- Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland and Pūtahi Manawa Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
- Cardiothoracic Surgical Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - B H Smaill
- Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland and Pūtahi Manawa Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Johanna M Montgomery
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland and Pūtahi Manawa Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rast J, Sohinki D, Warner A. Non-invasive Neuromodulation of Arrhythmias. J Innov Card Rhythm Manag 2024; 15:5757-5766. [PMID: 38444451 PMCID: PMC10911637 DOI: 10.19102/icrm.2024.15022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of the cardiac autonomic nervous system (CANS) is associated with various cardiac arrhythmias. Subsequently, invasive techniques have successfully targeted the CANS for the treatment of certain arrhythmias, such as sympathetic denervation for ventricular tachycardia storm. Non-invasive strategies capable of modulating the CANS for arrhythmia treatment have begun to gain interest due to their low-risk profile and applicability as an adjuvant therapy. This review provides an evidence-based overview of the currently studied technologies capable of non-invasively modulating CANS for the suppression of atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmias.
Collapse
|
3
|
Hadaya J, Dajani AH, Cha S, Hanna P, Challita R, Hoover DB, Ajijola OA, Shivkumar K, Ardell JL. Vagal Nerve Stimulation Reduces Ventricular Arrhythmias and Mitigates Adverse Neural Cardiac Remodeling Post-Myocardial Infarction. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2023; 8:1100-1118. [PMID: 37791302 PMCID: PMC10543930 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2023.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
This study sought to evaluate the impact of chronic vagal nerve stimulation (cVNS) on cardiac and extracardiac neural structure/function after myocardial infarction (MI). Groups were control, MI, and MI + cVNS; cVNS was started 2 days post-MI. Terminal experiments were performed 6 weeks post-MI. MI impaired left ventricular mechanical function, evoked anisotropic electrical conduction, increased susceptibility to ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation, and altered neuronal and glial phenotypes in the stellate and dorsal root ganglia, including glial activation. cVNS improved cardiac mechanical function and reduced ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation post-MI, partly by stabilizing activation/repolarization in the border zone. MI-associated extracardiac neural remodeling, particularly glial activation, was mitigated with cVNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Hadaya
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Al-Hassan Dajani
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Steven Cha
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Peter Hanna
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ronald Challita
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Donald B. Hoover
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Olujimi A. Ajijola
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kalyanam Shivkumar
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Ardell
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gee MM, Lenhoff AM, Schwaber JS, Ogunnaike BA, Vadigepalli R. Closed-loop modeling of central and intrinsic cardiac nervous system circuits underlying cardiovascular control. AIChE J 2023; 69:e18033. [PMID: 37250861 PMCID: PMC10211393 DOI: 10.1002/aic.18033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The baroreflex is a multi-input, multi-output control physiological system that regulates blood pressure by modulating nerve activity between the brainstem and the heart. Existing computational models of the baroreflex do not explictly incorporate the intrinsic cardiac nervous system (ICN), which mediates central control of the heart function. We developed a computational model of closed-loop cardiovascular control by integrating a network representation of the ICN within central control reflex circuits. We examined central and local contributions to the control of heart rate, ventricular functions, and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). Our simulations match the experimentally observed relationship between RSA and lung tidal volume. Our simulations predicted the relative contributions of the sensory and the motor neuron pathways to the experimentally observed changes in the heart rate. Our closed-loop cardiovascular control model is primed for evaluating bioelectronic interventions to treat heart failure and renormalize cardiovascular physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Gee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716
- Daniel Baugh Institute of Functional Genomics/Computational Biology, Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Abraham M Lenhoff
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716
| | - James S Schwaber
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716
- Daniel Baugh Institute of Functional Genomics/Computational Biology, Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Babatunde A Ogunnaike
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716
| | - Rajanikanth Vadigepalli
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716
- Daniel Baugh Institute of Functional Genomics/Computational Biology, Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Farrand A, Jacquemet V, Verner R, Owens M, Beaumont E. Vagus nerve stimulation parameters evoke differential neuronal responses in the locus coeruleus. Physiol Rep 2023; 11:e15633. [PMID: 36905173 PMCID: PMC10006695 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is used to treat drug-resistant epilepsy and depression, with additional applications under investigation. The noradrenergic center locus coeruleus (LC) is vital for VNS effects; however, the impact of varying stimulation parameters on LC activation is poorly understood. This study characterized LC activation across VNS parameters. Extracellular activity was recorded in rats' left LC while 11 VNS paradigms, utilizing variable frequencies and bursting characteristics, were pseudorandomly delivered to the left cervical vagus for five cycles. Neurons' change from baseline firing rate and timing response profiles were assessed. The proportion of neurons categorized as responders over 5 VNS cycles doubled in comparison to the first VNS cycle (p < 0.001) for all VNS paradigms, demonstrating an amplification effect. The percentage of positively consistent/positive responders increased for standard VNS paradigms with frequencies ≥10 Hz and for bursting paradigms with shorter interburst intervals and more pulses per burst. The synchrony between pairs of LC neurons increased during bursting VNS but not standard paradigms. Also, the probability of evoking a direct response during bursting VNS was higher with longer interburst intervals and a higher number of pulses per burst. Standard paradigms between 10-30 Hz best positively activates LC with consistency to VNS while the best bursting paradigm to increase activity was 300 Hz, seven pulses per burst separated by 1 s. Bursting VNS was effective in increasing synchrony between pairs of neurons, suggesting a common network recruitment originating from vagal afferents. These results indicate differential activation of LC neurons depending on the VNS parameters delivered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Farrand
- Department of Biomedical SciencesQuillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTennesseeUSA
| | - Vincent Jacquemet
- Department of Pharmacology and PhysiologyInstitute of Biomedical Engineering, University of MontrealMontrealQuebecCanada
- Research CenterSacred Heart Hospital of MontrealMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Ryan Verner
- Neuromodulation DivisionLivaNova PLCHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Misty Owens
- Department of Biomedical SciencesQuillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTennesseeUSA
| | - Eric Beaumont
- Department of Biomedical SciencesQuillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTennesseeUSA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Elia A, Fossati S. Autonomic nervous system and cardiac neuro-signaling pathway modulation in cardiovascular disorders and Alzheimer's disease. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1060666. [PMID: 36798942 PMCID: PMC9926972 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1060666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The heart is a functional syncytium controlled by a delicate and sophisticated balance ensured by the tight coordination of its several cell subpopulations. Accordingly, cardiomyocytes together with the surrounding microenvironment participate in the heart tissue homeostasis. In the right atrium, the sinoatrial nodal cells regulate the cardiac impulse propagation through cardiomyocytes, thus ensuring the maintenance of the electric network in the heart tissue. Notably, the central nervous system (CNS) modulates the cardiac rhythm through the two limbs of the autonomic nervous system (ANS): the parasympathetic and sympathetic compartments. The autonomic nervous system exerts non-voluntary effects on different peripheral organs. The main neuromodulator of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) is norepinephrine, while the principal neurotransmitter of the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) is acetylcholine. Through these two main neurohormones, the ANS can gradually regulate cardiac, vascular, visceral, and glandular functions by turning on one of its two branches (adrenergic and/or cholinergic), which exert opposite effects on targeted organs. Besides these neuromodulators, the cardiac nervous system is ruled by specific neuropeptides (neurotrophic factors) that help to preserve innervation homeostasis through the myocardial layers (from epicardium to endocardium). Interestingly, the dysregulation of this neuro-signaling pathway may expose the cardiac tissue to severe disorders of different etiology and nature. Specifically, a maladaptive remodeling of the cardiac nervous system may culminate in a progressive loss of neurotrophins, thus leading to severe myocardial denervation, as observed in different cardiometabolic and neurodegenerative diseases (myocardial infarction, heart failure, Alzheimer's disease). This review analyzes the current knowledge on the pathophysiological processes involved in cardiac nervous system impairment from the perspectives of both cardiac disorders and a widely diffused and devastating neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer's disease, proposing a relationship between neurodegeneration, loss of neurotrophic factors, and cardiac nervous system impairment. This overview is conducive to a more comprehensive understanding of the process of cardiac neuro-signaling dysfunction, while bringing to light potential therapeutic scenarios to correct or delay the adverse cardiovascular remodeling, thus improving the cardiac prognosis and quality of life in patients with heart or neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
|
7
|
Smith JEG, Ashton JL, Argent LP, Cheyne JE, Montgomery JM. Recording plasticity in neuronal activity in the rodent intrinsic cardiac nervous system using calcium imaging techniques. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2023; 15:1104736. [PMID: 37082542 PMCID: PMC10110955 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2023.1104736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The intrinsic cardiac nervous system (ICNS) is composed of interconnected clusters of neurons called ganglionated plexi (GP) which play a major role in controlling heart rate and rhythm. The function of these neurons is particularly important due to their involvement in cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation (AF), and previous work has shown that plasticity in GP neural networks could underpin aberrant activity patterns that drive AF. As research in this field increases, developing new techniques to visualize the complex interactions and plasticity in this GP network is essential. In this study we have developed a calcium imaging method enabling the simultaneous recording of plasticity in neuronal activity from multiple neurons in intact atrial GP networks. Calcium imaging was performed with Cal-520 AM labeling in aged spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), which display both spontaneous and induced AF, and age-matched Wistar Kyoto (WKY) controls to determine the relationship between chronic hypertension, arrhythmia and GP calcium dynamics. Our data show that SHR GPs have significantly larger calcium responses to cholinergic stimulation compared to WKY controls, as determined by both higher amplitude and longer duration calcium responses. Responses were significantly but not fully blocked by hexamethonium, indicating multiple cholinergic receptor subtypes are involved in the calcium response. Given that SHRs are susceptible to cardiac arrhythmias, our data provide evidence for a potential link between arrhythmia and plasticity in calcium dynamics that occur not only in cardiomyocytes but also in the GP neurons of the heart.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joscelin E. G. Smith
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Pūtahi Manawa, Centre for Heart Research, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jesse L. Ashton
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Pūtahi Manawa, Centre for Heart Research, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Liam P. Argent
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Pūtahi Manawa, Centre for Heart Research, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Johanna M. Montgomery
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Pūtahi Manawa, Centre for Heart Research, Auckland, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: Johanna M. Montgomery,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Scridon A. Autonomic imbalance and atrial ectopic activity-a pathophysiological and clinical view. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1058427. [PMID: 36531175 PMCID: PMC9755506 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1058427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The heart is one of the most richly innervated organs and the impact of the complex cardiac autonomic network on atrial electrophysiology and arrhythmogenesis, including on atrial ectopy, is widely recognized. The aim of this review is to discuss the main mechanisms involved in atrial ectopic activity. An overview of the anatomic and physiological aspects of the cardiac autonomic nervous system is provided as well as a discussion of the main pathophysiological pathways linking autonomic imbalance and atrial ectopic activity. The most relevant data on cardiac neuromodulation strategies are emphasized. Unanswered questions and hotspots for future research are also identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alina Scridon
- Physiology Department, Center for Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kharbanda RK, van der Does WFB, van Staveren LN, Taverne YJHJ, Bogers AJJC, de Groot NMS. Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Atrial Fibrillation: Revealing the Paradox. Neuromodulation 2022; 25:356-365. [PMID: 35190246 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The cardiac autonomic nervous system (CANS) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF). Cardiovascular disease can cause an imbalance within the CANS, which may contribute to the initiation and maintenance of AF. Increased understanding of neuromodulation of the CANS has resulted in novel emerging therapies to treat cardiac arrhythmias by targeting different circuits of the CANS. Regarding AF, neuromodulation therapies targeting the vagus nerve have yielded promising outcomes. However, targeting the vagus nerve can be both pro-arrhythmogenic and anti-arrhythmogenic. Currently, these opposing effects of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) have not been clearly described. The aim of this review is therefore to discuss both pro-arrhythmogenic and anti-arrhythmogenic effects of VNS and recent advances in clinical practice and to provide future perspectives for VNS to treat AF. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive review of current literature on VNS and its pro-arrhythmogenic and anti-arrhythmogenic effects on atrial tissue was performed. Both experimental and clinical studies are reviewed and discussed separately. RESULTS VNS exhibits both pro-arrhythmogenic and anti-arrhythmogenic effects. The anatomical site and stimulation settings during VNS play a crucial role in determining its effect on cardiac electrophysiology. Since the last decade, there is accumulating evidence from experimental studies and randomized clinical studies that low-level VNS (LLVNS), below the bradycardia threshold, is an effective treatment for AF. CONCLUSION LLVNS is a promising novel therapeutic modality to treat AF and further research will further elucidate the underlying anti-arrhythmogenic mechanisms, optimal stimulation settings, and site to apply LLVNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rohit K Kharbanda
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Yannick J H J Taverne
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ad J J C Bogers
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Malik V, Elliott AD, Thomas G, Mishima RS, Pitman B, Middeldorp ME, Fitzgerald JL, Young GD, Roberts-Thomson KC, Arnolda LF, Lau DH, Sanders P. Autonomic Afferent Dysregulation in Atrial Fibrillation. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2022; 8:152-164. [PMID: 35210071 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2021.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study sought to evaluate the role of cardiac afferent reflexes in atrial fibrillation (AF). BACKGROUND Efferent autonomic tone is not associated with atrial remodeling and AF persistence. However, the role of cardiac afferents is unknown. METHODS Individuals with nonpermanent AF (n = 48) were prospectively studied (23 in the in-AF group and 25 in sinus rhythm [SR]) with 12 matched control subjects. We performed: 1) low-level lower body negative pressure (LBNP), which decreases cardiac volume, offloading predominantly cardiac afferent (volume-sensitive) low-pressure baroreceptors; 2) Valsalva reflex (predominantly arterial high-pressure baroreceptors); and 3) isometric handgrip reflex (both baroreceptors). We measured beat-to-beat mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR). LBNP elicits reflex vasoconstriction, estimated using venous occlusion plethysmography-derived forearm blood flow (∝1/vascular resistance), maintaining MAP. To assess reversibility, we repeated LBNP (same day) after 1-hour low-level tragus stimulation (in n = 5 in the in-AF group and n = 10 in the in-SR group) and >6 weeks post-cardioversion (n = 7). RESULTS The 3 groups were well matched for age (59 ± 12 years, 83% male), body mass index, and risk factors (P = NS). The in-AF group had higher left atrial volume (P < 0.001) and resting HR (P = 0.01) but similar MAP (P = 0.7). The normal LBNP vasoconstriction (-49 ± 5%) maintaining MAP (control subjects) was attenuated in the in-SR group (-12 ± 9%; P = 0.005) and dysfunctional in the in-AF group (+11 ± 6%; P < 0.001), in which MAP decreased and HR was unchanged. Valsalva was normal throughout. Handgrip MAP response was lowest in the in-AF group (P = 0.01). Interestingly, low-level tragus stimulation and cardioversion improved LBNP vasoconstriction (-48 ± 15%; P = 0.04; and -32 ± 9%; P = 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Cardiac afferent (volume-sensitive) reflexes are abnormal in AF patients during SR and dysfunctional during AF. This could contribute to AF progression, thus explaining "AF begets AF." (Characterisation of Autonomic function in Atrial Fibrillation [AF-AF Study]; ACTRN12619000186156).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Varun Malik
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Adrian D Elliott
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Gijo Thomas
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ricardo S Mishima
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Bradley Pitman
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Melissa E Middeldorp
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - John L Fitzgerald
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Glenn D Young
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kurt C Roberts-Thomson
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Leonard F Arnolda
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Dennis H Lau
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Prashanthan Sanders
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Stress-related dysautonomias and neurocardiology-based treatment approaches. Auton Neurosci 2022; 239:102944. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2022.102944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
12
|
Fang P, Wang J, Wei Y, Wang X, Yang H, Zhang M. Vagal response during circumferential pulmonary vein isolation decreases the recurrence of atrial fibrillation in the short-term in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: A prospective, observational study. J Electrocardiol 2021; 69:145-150. [PMID: 34763218 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2021.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vagal responses (VRs) are often seen in patients undergoing circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI). The possible mechanism of VR is that CPVI creates a coincidental modification of the cardiac ganglionated plexi (GP). AIM To investigate whether the presence of VR during CPVI impacts post-ablation recurrence in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS A total of 112 consecutive patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF who underwent CPVI for the first time from October 1, 2017 to April 30, 2019 were prospectively enrolled, of which two were lost the follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether VRs were experienced during CPVI. Electrophysiological parameters, including atrial effective refractory period (AERP) and mean heart rate (MHR), were measured before and post-ablation. The patients were then followed up for 12 months. RESULTS The 71 patients who had experienced VRs during CPVI were assigned to group B, and the remaing 39 patients who did not experience VR during CPVI were assigned to group A. The MHR (79.6 ± 8.3 vs 70.4 ± 7.8 b/min; p ≤ 0.001) was significantly higher; and the AERP (244 ± 22 vs 215 ± 27 ms; p ≤ 0.001) was prolonged in group B compared to respective pre-ablation values. There were no significant changes in the MHR (69.5 ± 7.9 vs 69.7 ± 8.7 b/min; p = 0.541) and AERP (224 ± 28 vs 225 ± 33 ms; p = 0.542) in group A. During the first four months of follow-up after ablation, the MHR gradually slowed down to pre-procedural levels in group B. The recurrence of AF (6/71 vs 7/39; p = 0.023) significantly decreased in group B relative to group A during the first 6 months after ablation, but there was no significant difference (14/71 vs 9/39; p = 0.598) at the end of the 12-month follow-up period. CONCLUSION Patients with paroxysmal AF who develop VRs during CPVI might have a decreased recurrence of AF and accelerated MHR in the short-term.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping Fang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affifiliated Hospital (Yijishan Hospital) of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241001, China.
| | - Jinfeng Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affifiliated Hospital (Yijishan Hospital) of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241001, China
| | - Youquan Wei
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affifiliated Hospital (Yijishan Hospital) of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241001, China
| | - Xianghai Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affifiliated Hospital (Yijishan Hospital) of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241001, China
| | - Hao Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affifiliated Hospital (Yijishan Hospital) of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241001, China
| | - Meijun Zhang
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, The First Affifiliated Hospital (Yijishan Hospital) of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Carandina A, Rodrigues GD, Di Francesco P, Filtz A, Bellocchi C, Furlan L, Carugo S, Montano N, Tobaldini E. Effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on cardiovascular autonomic control in health and disease. Auton Neurosci 2021; 236:102893. [PMID: 34649119 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction is a well-known feature of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Studies on heart rate variability (HRV), a non-invasive method useful in investigating the status of cardiovascular autonomic control, have shown that a predominance of sympathetic modulation not only contributes to the progression of CVDs but has a pivotal role in their onset. Current therapies focus more on inhibition of sympathetic activity, but the presence of drug-resistant conditions and the invasiveness of some surgical procedures are an obstacle to complete therapeutic success. On the other hand, targeting the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system through invasive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has shown interesting results as alternative therapeutic approach for CVDs. However, the invasiveness and cost of the surgical procedure limit the clinical applicability of VNS and hinder the research on the physiological pathway involved. Transcutaneous stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (tVNS) seems to represent an important non-invasive alternative with effects comparable to those of VNS with surgical implant. Thus, in the present narrative review, we illustrate the main studies on tVNS performed in healthy subjects and in three key examples of CVDs, namely heart failure, hypertension and atrial fibrillation, highlighting the neuromodulatory effects of this technique.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Carandina
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriel Dias Rodrigues
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Di Francesco
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Filtz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Bellocchi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ludovico Furlan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Carugo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Montano
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Tobaldini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Stavrakis S, Kulkarni K, Singh JP, Katritsis DG, Armoundas AA. Autonomic Modulation of Cardiac Arrhythmias: Methods to Assess Treatment and Outcomes. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2021; 6:467-483. [PMID: 32439031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2020.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system plays a central role in the pathogenesis of multiple cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. As such, autonomic modulation represents an attractive therapeutic approach in these conditions. Notably, autonomic modulation exploits the plasticity of the neural tissue to induce neural remodeling and thus obtain therapeutic benefit. Different forms of autonomic modulation include vagus nerve stimulation, tragus stimulation, renal denervation, baroreceptor activation therapy, and cardiac sympathetic denervation. This review seeks to highlight these autonomic modulation therapeutic modalities, which have shown promise in early preclinical and clinical trials and represent exciting alternatives to standard arrhythmia treatment. We also present an overview of the various methods used to assess autonomic tone, including heart rate variability, skin sympathetic nerve activity, and alternans, which can be used as surrogate markers and predictors of the treatment effect. Although the use of autonomic modulation to treat cardiac arrhythmias is supported by strong preclinical data and preliminary studies in humans, in light of the disappointing results of a number of recent randomized clinical trials of autonomic modulation therapies in heart failure, the need for optimization of the stimulation parameters and rigorous patient selection based on appropriate biomarkers cannot be overemphasized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stavros Stavrakis
- Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
| | - Kanchan Kulkarni
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jagmeet P Singh
- Cardiology Division, Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Antonis A Armoundas
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cavalcante GL, Brognara F, Oliveira LVDC, Lataro RM, Durand MDT, Oliveira AP, Nóbrega ACL, Salgado HC, Sabino JPJ. Benefits of pharmacological and electrical cholinergic stimulation in hypertension and heart failure. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2021; 232:e13663. [PMID: 33884761 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Systemic arterial hypertension and heart failure are cardiovascular diseases that affect millions of individuals worldwide. They are characterized by a change in the autonomic nervous system balance, highlighted by an increase in sympathetic activity associated with a decrease in parasympathetic activity. Most therapeutic approaches seek to treat these diseases by medications that attenuate sympathetic activity. However, there is a growing number of studies demonstrating that the improvement of parasympathetic function, by means of pharmacological or electrical stimulation, can be an effective tool for the treatment of these cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this review aims to describe the advances reported by experimental and clinical studies that addressed the potential of cholinergic stimulation to prevent autonomic and cardiovascular imbalance in hypertension and heart failure. Overall, the published data reviewed demonstrate that the use of central or peripheral acetylcholinesterase inhibitors is efficient to improve the autonomic imbalance and hemodynamic changes observed in heart failure and hypertension. Of note, the baroreflex and the vagus nerve activation have been shown to be safe and effective approaches to be used as an alternative treatment for these cardiovascular diseases. In conclusion, pharmacological and electrical stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system has the potential to be used as a therapeutic tool for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure, deserving to be more explored in the clinical setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gisele L. Cavalcante
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Biophysics and Physiology Federal University of Piaui Teresina PI Brazil
- Department of Pharmacology Ribeirão Preto Medical School University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | - Fernanda Brognara
- Department of Physiology Ribeirão Preto Medical School University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | - Lucas Vaz de C. Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Biophysics and Physiology Federal University of Piaui Teresina PI Brazil
| | - Renata M. Lataro
- Department of Physiological Sciences Center of Biological Sciences Federal University of Santa Catarina Florianópolis SP Brazil
| | | | - Aldeidia P. Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology Department of Biophysics and Physiology Federal University of Piaui Teresina PI Brazil
| | | | - Helio C. Salgado
- Department of Physiology Ribeirão Preto Medical School University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | - João Paulo J. Sabino
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Biophysics and Physiology Federal University of Piaui Teresina PI Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hanna P, Buch E, Stavrakis S, Meyer C, Tompkins JD, Ardell JL, Shivkumar K. Neuroscientific therapies for atrial fibrillation. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 117:1732-1745. [PMID: 33989382 PMCID: PMC8208752 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays an integral role in normal cardiac physiology as well as in disease states that cause cardiac arrhythmias. The cardiac ANS, comprised of a complex neural hierarchy in a nested series of interacting feedback loops, regulates atrial electrophysiology and is itself susceptible to remodelling by atrial rhythm. In light of the challenges of treating atrial fibrillation (AF) with conventional pharmacologic and myoablative techniques, increasingly interest has begun to focus on targeting the cardiac neuraxis for AF. Strong evidence from animal models and clinical patients demonstrates that parasympathetic and sympathetic activity within this neuraxis may trigger AF, and the ANS may either induce atrial remodelling or undergo remodelling itself to serve as a substrate for AF. Multiple nexus points within the cardiac neuraxis are therapeutic targets, and neuroablative and neuromodulatory therapies for AF include ganglionated plexus ablation, epicardial botulinum toxin injection, vagal nerve (tragus) stimulation, renal denervation, stellate ganglion block/resection, baroreceptor activation therapy, and spinal cord stimulation. Pre-clinical and clinical studies on these modalities have had promising results and are reviewed here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hanna
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Eric Buch
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Stavros Stavrakis
- Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1100 N Lindsay Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Christian Meyer
- Division of Cardiology, cardiac Neuro- and Electrophysiology Research Consortium (cNEP), EVK Düsseldorf, Teaching Hospital University of Düsseldorf, Kirchfeldstraße 40, 40217 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neural and Sensory Physiology, cardiac Neuro- and Electrophysiology Research Consortium (cNEP), University of Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - John D Tompkins
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Ardell
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kalyanam Shivkumar
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Spinal Anesthesia Reduces Myocardial Ischemia-triggered Ventricular Arrhythmias by Suppressing Spinal Cord Neuronal Network Interactions in Pigs. Anesthesiology 2021; 134:405-420. [PMID: 33411921 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000003662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac sympathoexcitation leads to ventricular arrhythmias. Spinal anesthesia modulates sympathetic output and can be cardioprotective. However, its effect on the cardio-spinal reflexes and network interactions in the dorsal horn cardiac afferent neurons and the intermediolateral nucleus sympathetic neurons that regulate sympathetic output is not known. The authors hypothesize that spinal bupivacaine reduces cardiac neuronal firing and network interactions in the dorsal horn-dorsal horn and dorsal horn-intermediolateral nucleus that produce sympathoexcitation during myocardial ischemia, attenuating ventricular arrhythmogenesis. METHODS Extracellular neuronal signals from the dorsal horn and intermediolateral nucleus neurons were simultaneously recorded in Yorkshire pigs (n = 9) using a 64-channel high-density penetrating microarray electrode inserted at the T2 spinal cord. Dorsal horn and intermediolateral nucleus neural interactions and known markers of cardiac arrhythmogenesis were evaluated during myocardial ischemia and cardiac load-dependent perturbations with intrathecal bupivacaine. RESULTS Cardiac spinal neurons were identified based on their response to myocardial ischemia and cardiac load-dependent perturbations. Spinal bupivacaine did not change the basal activity of cardiac neurons in the dorsal horn or intermediolateral nucleus. After bupivacaine administration, the percentage of cardiac neurons that increased their activity in response to myocardial ischemia was decreased. Myocardial ischemia and cardiac load-dependent stress increased the short-term interactions between the dorsal horn and dorsal horn (324 to 931 correlated pairs out of 1,189 pairs, P < 0.0001), and dorsal horn and intermediolateral nucleus neurons (11 to 69 correlated pairs out of 1,135 pairs, P < 0.0001). Bupivacaine reduced this network response and augmentation in the interactions between dorsal horn-dorsal horn (931 to 38 correlated pairs out of 1,189 pairs, P < 0.0001) and intermediolateral nucleus-dorsal horn neurons (69 to 1 correlated pairs out of 1,135 pairs, P < 0.0001). Spinal bupivacaine reduced shortening of ventricular activation recovery interval and dispersion of repolarization, with decreased ventricular arrhythmogenesis during acute ischemia. CONCLUSIONS Spinal anesthesia reduces network interactions between dorsal horn-dorsal horn and dorsal horn-intermediolateral nucleus cardiac neurons in the spinal cord during myocardial ischemia. Blocking short-term coordination between local afferent-efferent cardiac neurons in the spinal cord contributes to a decrease in cardiac sympathoexcitation and reduction of ventricular arrhythmogenesis. EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE
Collapse
|
18
|
Fontaine AK, Futia GL, Rajendran PS, Littich SF, Mizoguchi N, Shivkumar K, Ardell JL, Restrepo D, Caldwell JH, Gibson EA, Weir RFF. Optical vagus nerve modulation of heart and respiration via heart-injected retrograde AAV. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3664. [PMID: 33574459 PMCID: PMC7878800 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83280-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation has shown many benefits for disease therapies but current approaches involve imprecise electrical stimulation that gives rise to off-target effects, while the functionally relevant pathways remain poorly understood. One method to overcome these limitations is the use of optogenetic techniques, which facilitate targeted neural communication with light-sensitive actuators (opsins) and can be targeted to organs of interest based on the location of viral delivery. Here, we tested whether retrograde adeno-associated virus (rAAV2-retro) injected in the heart can be used to selectively express opsins in vagus nerve fibers controlling cardiac function. Furthermore, we investigated whether perturbations in cardiac function could be achieved with photostimulation at the cervical vagus nerve. Viral injection in the heart resulted in robust, primarily afferent, opsin reporter expression in the vagus nerve, nodose ganglion, and brainstem. Photostimulation using both one-photon stimulation and two-photon holography with a GRIN-lens incorporated nerve cuff, was tested on the pilot-cohort of injected mice. Changes in heart rate, surface electrocardiogram, and respiratory responses were observed in response to both one- and two-photon photostimulation. The results demonstrate feasibility of retrograde labeling for organ targeted optical neuromodulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arjun K Fontaine
- Departments of Bioengineering, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Biomechatronics Development Laboratory, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Gregory L Futia
- Departments of Bioengineering, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Pradeep S Rajendran
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Samuel F Littich
- Departments of Bioengineering, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Biomechatronics Development Laboratory, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Naoko Mizoguchi
- Departments of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, Meikai University School of Dentistry, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kalyanam Shivkumar
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Ardell
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Diego Restrepo
- Departments of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - John H Caldwell
- Departments of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Emily A Gibson
- Departments of Bioengineering, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Richard F Ff Weir
- Departments of Bioengineering, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Biomechatronics Development Laboratory, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Rocky Mountain Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Aurora, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kluge N, Dacey M, Hadaya J, Shivkumar K, Chan SA, Ardell JL, Smith C. Rapid measurement of cardiac neuropeptide dynamics by capacitive immunoprobe in the porcine heart. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021; 320:H66-H76. [PMID: 33095651 PMCID: PMC7847069 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00674.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Sympathetic control of regional cardiac function occurs through postganglionic innervation from stellate ganglia and thoracic sympathetic chain. Whereas norepinephrine (NE) is their primary neurotransmitter, neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an abundant cardiac cotransmitter. NPY plays a vital role in homeostatic processes including angiogenesis, vasoconstriction, and cardiac remodeling. Elevated sympathetic stress, resulting in increased NE and NPY release, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular disorders including hypertension, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and arrhythmias, which may result in sudden cardiac death. Current methods for the detection of NPY in myocardium are limited in their spatial and temporal resolution and take days to weeks to provide results [e.g., interstitial microdialysis with subsequent analysis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), or mass spectrometry]. In this study, we report a novel approach for measurement of interstitial and intravascular NPY using a minimally invasive capacitive immunoprobe (C.I. probe). The first high-spatial and temporal resolution, multichannel measurements of NPY release in vivo are provided in both myocardium and transcardiac vascular space in a beating porcine heart. We provide NPY responses evoked by sympathetic stimulation and ectopic ventricular pacing and compare these to NE release and hemodynamic responses. We extend this approach to measure both NPY and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and show differential release profiles under sympathetic stimulation. Our data demonstrate rapid and local changes in neurotransmitter profiles in response to sympathetic cardiac stressors. Future implementations include real-time intraoperative determination of cardiac neuropeptides and deployment as a minimally invasive catheter.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The sympathetic nervous system regulates cardiac function through release of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides within the myocardium. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) acts as an acute cardiac vasoconstrictor and chronically to regulate angiogenesis and cardiac remodeling. Current methodologies for the measure of NPY are not capable of providing rapid readouts on a single-sample basis. Here we provide the first in vivo methodology to report dynamic, localized NPY levels within both myocardium and vascular compartments in a beating heart.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Kluge
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Michael Dacey
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
- UCLA Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, University of California, Los Angeles, California
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology Program, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Joseph Hadaya
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
- UCLA Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, University of California, Los Angeles, California
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology Program, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kalyanam Shivkumar
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
- UCLA Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Shyue-An Chan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jeffrey L Ardell
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
- UCLA Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Corey Smith
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hadaya J, Ardell JL. Autonomic Modulation for Cardiovascular Disease. Front Physiol 2020; 11:617459. [PMID: 33414727 PMCID: PMC7783451 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.617459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, including congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias. Despite advances in the medical and surgical management of these entities, progression of disease persists as does the risk for sudden cardiac death. With improved knowledge of the dynamic relationships between the nervous system and heart, neuromodulatory techniques such as cardiac sympathetic denervation and vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) have emerged as possible therapeutic approaches for the management of these disorders. In this review, we present the structure and function of the cardiac nervous system and the remodeling that occurs in disease states, emphasizing the concept of increased sympathoexcitation and reduced parasympathetic tone. We review preclinical evidence for vagal nerve stimulation, and early results of clinical trials in the setting of congestive heart failure. Vagal nerve stimulation, and other neuromodulatory techniques, may improve the management of cardiovascular disorders, and warrant further study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Hadaya
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,UCLA Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology Program, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey L Ardell
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,UCLA Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ashton JL, Argent L, Smith JEG, Jin S, Sands GB, Smaill BH, Montgomery JM. Evidence of structural and functional plasticity occurring within the intracardiac nervous system of spontaneously hypertensive rats. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 318:H1387-H1400. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00020.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
We have developed intracardiac neuron whole cell recording techniques in atrial preparations from control and spontaneous hypertensive rats. This has enabled the identification of significant synaptic plasticity in the intracardiac nervous system, including enhanced postsynaptic current frequency, increased synaptic terminal density, and altered postsynaptic receptors. This increased synaptic drive together with altered cardiac neuron electrophysiology could increase intracardiac nervous system excitability and contribute to the substrate for atrial arrhythmia in hypertensive heart disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesse L. Ashton
- Department of Physiology, Manaaki Mānawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Liam Argent
- Department of Physiology, Manaaki Mānawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joscelin E. G. Smith
- Department of Physiology, Manaaki Mānawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sangjun Jin
- Department of Physiology, Manaaki Mānawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gregory B. Sands
- Department of Physiology, Manaaki Mānawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Bioengineering Institute, Manaaki Mānawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Bruce H. Smaill
- Department of Physiology, Manaaki Mānawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Bioengineering Institute, Manaaki Mānawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Johanna M. Montgomery
- Department of Physiology, Manaaki Mānawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Winbo A, Ashton JL, Montgomery JM. Neuroscience in the heart: Recent advances in neurocardiac communication and its role in cardiac arrhythmias. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2020; 122:105737. [PMID: 32151724 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2020.105737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Autonomic nervous system dysregulation is involved in the pathophysiology of multiple cardiac arrhythmias, and therefore modulating sympathetic or parasympathetic input to the heart provides novel therapeutic options for arrhythmia management. Examples include decreasing intrinsic cardiac neuron communication, patterned vagal nerve stimulation, denervation, and blockade of post-ganglionic neurons. However, lessons from ventricular arrhythmias, where increased sympathetic activity and vagal rebound activity both amplify arrhythmia risk, stress the importance of understanding the regulatory mechanisms that modulate the balance and levels of sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. Of critical need is an increased understanding of plasticity mechanisms in the autonomic nervous system, to a level similar to what is known in the central nervous system, in order to develop safe and effective neuromodulatory therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annika Winbo
- Department of Physiology and Manaaki Mānawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jesse L Ashton
- Department of Physiology and Manaaki Mānawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Johanna M Montgomery
- Department of Physiology and Manaaki Mānawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kumar A, Wright K, Uceda DE, Vasallo PA, Rabin PL, Adams D, Wong J, Das M, Lin SF, Chen PS, Everett TH. Skin sympathetic nerve activity as a biomarker for syncopal episodes during a tilt table test. Heart Rhythm 2019; 17:804-812. [PMID: 31605791 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2019.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autonomic imbalance is the proposed mechanism of syncope during a tilt table test (TTT). We have recently demonstrated that skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA) can be noninvasively recorded using electrocardiographic electrodes. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that increased SKNA activation precedes tilt-induced syncope. METHODS We studied 50 patients with a history of neurocardiogenic syncope undergoing a TTT. The recorded signals were band-pass filtered at 500-1000 Hz to analyze nerve activity. RESULTS The average SKNA (aSKNA) value at baseline was 1.38 ± 0.38 μV in patients without syncope and 1.42 ± 0.52 μV in patients with syncope (P = .77). On upright tilt, aSKNA was 1.34 ± 0.40 μV in patients who did not have syncope and 1.39 ± 0.43 μV in patients who had syncope (P = .65). In all 14 patients with syncope, there was a surge of SKNA before an initial increase in heart rate followed by bradycardia, hypotension, and syncope. The peak aSKNA immediately (<1 minute) before syncope was significantly higher than baseline aSKNA (2.63 ± 1.22 vs 1.39 ± 0.43 μV; P = .0005). After syncope, patients were immediately placed in the supine position and aSKNA dropped significantly to 1.26 ± 0.43 μV; (P = .0004). The heart rate variability during the TTT shows a significant increase in parasympathetic tone during syncope (low-frequency/high-frequency ratio: 7.15 vs 2.21; P = .04). CONCLUSION Patients with syncope do not have elevated sympathetic tone at baseline or during the TTT except immediately before syncope when there is a transient surge of SKNA followed by sympathetic withdrawal along with parasympathetic surge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Awaneesh Kumar
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Keith Wright
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Domingo E Uceda
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Peter A Vasallo
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Perry L Rabin
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - David Adams
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Johnson Wong
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Mithilesh Das
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Shien-Fong Lin
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Peng-Sheng Chen
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Thomas H Everett
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Neuromodulation for Ventricular Tachycardia and Atrial Fibrillation: A Clinical Scenario-Based Review. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2019; 5:881-896. [PMID: 31439288 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2019.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Autonomic dysregulation in cardiovascular disease plays a major role in the pathogenesis of arrhythmias. Cardiac neural control relies on complex feedback loops consisting of efferent and afferent limbs, which carry sympathetic and parasympathetic signals from the brain to the heart and sensory signals from the heart to the brain. Cardiac disease leads to neural remodeling and sympathovagal imbalances with arrhythmogenic effects. Preclinical studies of modulation at central and peripheral levels of the cardiac autonomic nervous system have yielded promising results, leading to early stage clinical studies of these techniques in atrial fibrillation and refractory ventricular arrhythmias, particularly in patients with inherited primary arrhythmia syndromes and structural heart disease. However, significant knowledge gaps in basic cardiac neurophysiology limit the success of these neuromodulatory therapies. This review discusses the recent advances in neuromodulation for cardiac arrhythmia management, with a clinical scenario-based approach aimed at bringing neurocardiology closer to the realm of the clinical electrophysiologist.
Collapse
|
25
|
Salavatian S, Yamaguchi N, Hoang J, Lin N, Patel S, Ardell JL, Armour JA, Vaseghi M. Premature ventricular contractions activate vagal afferents and alter autonomic tone: implications for premature ventricular contraction-induced cardiomyopathy. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2019; 317:H607-H616. [PMID: 31322427 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00286.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Mechanisms behind development of premature ventricular contraction (PVC)-induced cardiomyopathy remain unclear. PVCs may adversely modulate the autonomic nervous system to promote development of heart failure. Afferent neurons in the inferior vagal (nodose) ganglia transduce cardiac activity and modulate parasympathetic output. Effects of PVCs on cardiac parasympathetic efferent and vagal afferent neurotransmission are unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of PVCs on vagal afferent neurotransmission and compare these effects with a known powerful autonomic modulator, myocardial ischemia. In 16 pigs, effects of variably coupled PVCs on heart rate variability (HRV) and vagal afferent neurotransmission were evaluated. Direct nodose neuronal recordings were obtained in vivo, and cardiac-related afferent neurons were identified based on their response to cardiovascular interventions, including ventricular chemical and mechanical stimuli, left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery occlusion, and variably coupled PVCs. On HRV analysis before versus after PVCs, parasympathetic tone decreased (normalized high frequency: 83.6 ± 2.8 to 72.5 ± 5.3; P < 0.05). PVCs had a powerful impact on activity of cardiac-related afferent neurons, altering activity of 51% of neurons versus 31% for LAD occlusion (P < 0.05 vs. LAD occlusion and all other cardiac interventions). Both chemosensitive and mechanosensitive neurons were activated by PVCs, and their activity remained elevated even after cessation of PVCs. Cardiac afferent neural responses to PVCs were greater than any other intervention, including ischemia of similar duration. These data suggest that even brief periods of PVCs powerfully modulate vagal afferent neurotransmission, reflexly decreasing parasympathetic efferent tone.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are common in many patients and, at an increased burden, are known to cause heart failure. This study determined that PVCs powerfully modulate cardiac vagal afferent neurotransmission (exerting even greater effects than ventricular ischemia) and reduce parasympathetic efferent outflow to the heart. PVCs activated both mechano- and chemosensory neurons in the nodose ganglia. These peripheral neurons demonstrated adaptation in response to PVCs. This study provides additional data on the potential role of the autonomic nervous system in PVC-induced cardiomyopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siamak Salavatian
- University of California, Los Angeles Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Los Angeles, California.,University of California, Los Angeles Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, Los Angeles, California
| | - Naoko Yamaguchi
- University of California, Los Angeles Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Los Angeles, California.,University of California, Los Angeles Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jonathan Hoang
- University of California, Los Angeles Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Los Angeles, California.,University of California, Los Angeles Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, Los Angeles, California
| | - Nicole Lin
- University of California, Los Angeles Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Los Angeles, California.,University of California, Los Angeles Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, Los Angeles, California
| | - Saloni Patel
- University of California, Los Angeles Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Los Angeles, California.,University of California, Los Angeles Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jeffrey L Ardell
- University of California, Los Angeles Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Los Angeles, California.,University of California, Los Angeles Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, Los Angeles, California
| | - J Andrew Armour
- University of California, Los Angeles Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Los Angeles, California.,University of California, Los Angeles Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, Los Angeles, California
| | - Marmar Vaseghi
- University of California, Los Angeles Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Los Angeles, California.,University of California, Los Angeles Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, Los Angeles, California
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
The autonomic nervous system and cardiac arrhythmias: current concepts and emerging therapies. Nat Rev Cardiol 2019; 16:707-726. [DOI: 10.1038/s41569-019-0221-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
27
|
Horn CC, Ardell JL, Fisher LE. Electroceutical Targeting of the Autonomic Nervous System. Physiology (Bethesda) 2019; 34:150-162. [PMID: 30724129 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00030.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autonomic nerves are attractive targets for medical therapies using electroceutical devices because of the potential for selective control and few side effects. These devices use novel materials, electrode configurations, stimulation patterns, and closed-loop control to treat heart failure, hypertension, gastrointestinal and bladder diseases, obesity/diabetes, and inflammatory disorders. Critical to progress is a mechanistic understanding of multi-level controls of target organs, disease adaptation, and impact of neuromodulation to restore organ function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles C Horn
- Biobehavioral Oncology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jeffrey L Ardell
- University of California- Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Los Angeles, California.,UCLA Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine , Los Angeles, California
| | - Lee E Fisher
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Autonomic Neuromodulation Acutely Ameliorates Left Ventricular Strain in Humans. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2018; 12:221-230. [PMID: 30560316 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-018-9853-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Low-level transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation at the tragus (LLTS) is anti-adrenergic. We aimed to evaluate the acute effects of LLTS on left ventricular (LV) function and autonomic tone. Patients with diastolic dysfunction and preserved LV ejection fraction were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, 2 × 2 cross-over study. Patients received two separate, 1-h sessions, at least 1 day apart, of active LLTS (20 Hz, 1 mA below the discomfort threshold) and sham stimulation. Echocardiography was performed after LLTS or sham stimulation to assess cardiac function. A 5-min ECG was performed to assess heart rate variability (HRV). Twenty-four patients were enrolled. LV global longitudinal strain improved by 1.8 ± 0.9% during active LLTS compared to sham stimulation (p = 0.001). Relative to baseline, HRV frequency domain components (low frequency, high frequency, and their ratio) were favorably altered after LLTS compared to sham stimulation (all p < 0.05). We concluded that LLTS acutely ameliorates cardiac mechanics by modulating the autonomic tone. Trial registration: NCT02983448.
Collapse
|
29
|
Zhou L, Filiberti A, Humphrey MB, Fleming CD, Scherlag BJ, Po SS, Stavrakis S. Low-level transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation attenuates cardiac remodelling in a rat model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Exp Physiol 2018; 104:28-38. [PMID: 30398289 DOI: 10.1113/ep087351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? What is the effect of chronic intermittent low-level transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation on cardiac inflammation, fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction in a rat model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction? What is the main finding and its importance? In salt-sensitive rats fed with high salt diet, low-level transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation significantly attenuated blood pressure elevation, ameliorated diastolic function, and attenuated left ventricular inflammation and fibrosis compared to the sham group. Further studies to examine the efficacy of this novel treatment in humans are warranted. ABSTRACT Inflammation and fibrosis play a central role in the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We previously showed that low-level, transcutaneous stimulation of the vagus nerve at the tragus (LLTS) is anti-inflammatory. We investigated the effect of chronic intermittent LLTS on cardiac inflammation, fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction in a rat model of HFpEF. Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats were randomized in three groups: low salt (LS, 0.3% NaCl; n = 12; control group without stimulation) and high salt (HS, 4% NaCl) with either active (n = 18) or sham (n = 18) LLTS at 7 weeks of age. After 6 weeks of diet (baseline), sham or active LLTS (20 Hz, 2 mA, 0.2 ms) was implemented for 30 min daily for 4 weeks. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and 4 weeks after treatment (endpoint). At endpoint, left ventricle (LV) histology and gene expression were examined. After 6 weeks of diets, HS rats developed hypertension and LV hypertrophy compared to LS rats. At endpoint, LLTS significantly attenuated blood pressure elevation, prevented the deterioration of diastolic function and improved LV circumferential strain, compared to the HS sham group. LV inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis were attenuated in the HS active compared to the HS sham group. Pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic genes (tumour necrosis factor, osteopontin, interleukin (IL)-11, IL-18 and IL-23A) were differentially altered in the two groups. Chronic intermittent LLTS ameliorates diastolic dysfunction, and attenuates cardiac inflammation and fibrosis in a rat model of HFpEF, suggesting that LLTS may be used clinically as a novel non-invasive neuromodulation therapy in HFpEF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liping Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Adrian Filiberti
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Mary Beth Humphrey
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Christian D Fleming
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Benjamin J Scherlag
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.,Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Sunny S Po
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.,Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Stavros Stavrakis
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.,Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Shivkumar K, Ardell JL. Vagal Neuromodulation for Atrial Arrhythmias. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2018; 3:939-941. [PMID: 29759718 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2017.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kalyanam Shivkumar
- University of California-Los Angeles Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California; University of California-Los Angeles Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Jeffrey L Ardell
- University of California-Los Angeles Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California; University of California-Los Angeles Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Roder F, Strotmann J, Fox H, Bitter T, Horstkotte D, Oldenburg O. Interactions of Sleep Apnea, the Autonomic Nervous System, and Its Impact on Cardiac Arrhythmias. CURRENT SLEEP MEDICINE REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40675-018-0117-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
|
32
|
Neuromodulation Therapies for Cardiac Disease. Neuromodulation 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-805353-9.00129-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
33
|
Ardell JL, Nier H, Hammer M, Southerland EM, Ardell CL, Beaumont E, KenKnight BH, Armour JA. Defining the neural fulcrum for chronic vagus nerve stimulation: implications for integrated cardiac control. J Physiol 2017; 595:6887-6903. [PMID: 28862330 PMCID: PMC5685838 DOI: 10.1113/jp274678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS The evoked cardiac response to bipolar cervical vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) reflects a dynamic interaction between afferent mediated decreases in central parasympathetic drive and suppressive effects evoked by direct stimulation of parasympathetic efferent axons to the heart. The neural fulcrum is defined as the operating point, based on frequency-amplitude-pulse width, where a null heart rate response is reproducibly evoked during the on-phase of VNS. Cardiac control, based on the principal of the neural fulcrum, can be elicited from either vagus. Beta-receptor blockade does not alter the tachycardia phase to low intensity VNS, but can increase the bradycardia to higher intensity VNS. While muscarinic cholinergic blockade prevented the VNS-induced bradycardia, clinically relevant doses of ACE inhibitors, beta-blockade and the funny channel blocker ivabradine did not alter the VNS chronotropic response. While there are qualitative differences in VNS heart control between awake and anaesthetized states, the physiological expression of the neural fulcrum is maintained. ABSTRACT Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an emerging therapy for treatment of chronic heart failure and remains a standard of therapy in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy. The objective of this work was to characterize heart rate (HR) responses (HRRs) during the active phase of chronic VNS over a wide range of stimulation parameters in order to define optimal protocols for bidirectional bioelectronic control of the heart. In normal canines, bipolar electrodes were chronically implanted on the cervical vagosympathetic trunk bilaterally with anode cephalad to cathode (n = 8, 'cardiac' configuration) or with electrode positions reversed (n = 8, 'epilepsy' configuration). In awake state, HRRs were determined for each combination of pulse frequency (2-20 Hz), intensity (0-3.5 mA) and pulse widths (130-750 μs) over 14 months. At low intensities and higher frequency VNS, HR increased during the VNS active phase owing to afferent modulation of parasympathetic central drive. When functional effects of afferent and efferent fibre activation were balanced, a null HRR was evoked (defined as 'neural fulcrum') during which HRR ≈ 0. As intensity increased further, HR was reduced during the active phase of VNS. While qualitatively similar, VNS delivered in the epilepsy configuration resulted in more pronounced HR acceleration and reduced HR deceleration during VNS. At termination, under anaesthesia, transection of the vagi rostral to the stimulation site eliminated the augmenting response to VNS and enhanced the parasympathetic efferent-mediated suppressing effect on electrical and mechanical function of the heart. In conclusion, VNS activates central then peripheral aspects of the cardiac nervous system. VNS control over cardiac function is maintained during chronic therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L. Ardell
- UCLA Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence and UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Los AngelesLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Heath Nier
- Biomedical SciencesEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTNUSA
| | - Matthew Hammer
- UCLA Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence and UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Los AngelesLos AngelesCAUSA
| | | | | | - Eric Beaumont
- Biomedical SciencesEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTNUSA
| | | | - J. Andrew Armour
- UCLA Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence and UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Los AngelesLos AngelesCAUSA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Salavatian S, Beaumont E, Gibbons D, Hammer M, Hoover DB, Armour JA, Ardell JL. Thoracic spinal cord and cervical vagosympathetic neuromodulation obtund nodose sensory transduction of myocardial ischemia. Auton Neurosci 2017; 208:57-65. [PMID: 28919363 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autonomic regulation therapy involving either vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) or spinal cord stimulation (SCS) represents emerging bioelectronic therapies for heart disease. The objective of this study was to determine if VNS and/or SCS modulate primary cardiac afferent sensory transduction of the ischemic myocardium. METHODS Using extracellular recordings in 19 anesthetized canines, of 88 neurons evaluated, 36 ventricular-related nodose ganglia sensory neurons were identified by their functional activity responses to epicardial touch, chemical activation of their sensory neurites (epicardial veratridine) and great vessel (descending aorta or inferior vena cava) occlusion. Neural responses to 1min left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery occlusion (CAO) were then evaluated. These interventions were then studied following either: i) SCS [T1-T3 spinal level; 50Hz, 90% motor threshold] or ii) cervical VNS [15-20Hz; 1.2× threshold]. RESULTS LAD occlusion activated 66% of identified nodose ventricular sensory neurons (0.33±0.08-0.79±0.20Hz; baseline to CAO; p<0.002). Basal activity of cardiac-related nodose neurons was differentially reduced by VNS (0.31±0.11 to 0.05±0.02Hz; p<0.05) as compared to SCS (0.36±0.12 to 0.28±0.14, p=0.59), with their activity response to transient LAD CAO being suppressed by either SCS (0.85±0.39-0.11±0.04Hz; p<0.03) or VNS (0.75±0.27-0.12±0.05Hz; p<0.04). VNS did not alter evoked neural responses of cardiac-related nodose neurons to great vessel occlusion. CONCLUSIONS Both VNS and SCS obtund ventricular ischemia induced enhancement of nodose afferent neuronal inputs to the medulla.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siamak Salavatian
- UCLA Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, Los Angeles, CA, United States; UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Eric Beaumont
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States; Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| | - David Gibbons
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| | - Matthew Hammer
- UCLA Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Donald B Hoover
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States; Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| | - J Andrew Armour
- UCLA Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, Los Angeles, CA, United States; UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey L Ardell
- UCLA Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, Los Angeles, CA, United States; UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Yuan Y, Hassel JL, Doytchinova A, Adams D, Wright KC, Meshberger C, Chen LS, Guerra MP, Shen C, Lin SF, Everett TH, Salanova V, Chen PS. Left cervical vagal nerve stimulation reduces skin sympathetic nerve activity in patients with drug resistant epilepsy. Heart Rhythm 2017; 14:1771-1778. [PMID: 28778733 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2017.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We recently reported that skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA) can be used to estimate sympathetic tone in humans. In animal models, vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) can damage the stellate ganglion, reduce stellate ganglion nerve activity, and suppress cardiac arrhythmia. Whether VNS can suppress sympathetic tone in humans remains unclear. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that VNS suppresses SKNA in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. METHODS ECG patch electrodes were used to continuously record SKNA in 26 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who were admitted for video electroencephalographic monitoring. Among them, 6 (2 men, age 40 ± 11 years) were previously treated with VNS and 20 (7 men, age 37 ± 8 years) were not. The signals from ECG leads I and II were filtered to detect SKNA. RESULTS VNS had an on-time of 30 seconds and off-time of 158 ± 72 seconds, with output of 1.92 ± 0.42 mA at 24.17 ± 2.01 Hz. Average SKNA during VNS off-time was 1.06 μV (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.93-1.18) in lead I and 1.13 μV (95% CI 0.99-1.27) in lead II, which was significantly lower than 1.38 μV (95% CI 1.01-1.75; P = .036) and 1.38 μV (95% CI 0.98-1.78; P = .035) in the control group, respectively. Heart rate was 65 bpm (95% CI 59-71) in the VNS group, which was significantly lower than 77 bpm (95% CI 71-83) in the control group. CONCLUSION Patients with VNS had significantly lower SKNA than those without VNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yuan
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jonathan L Hassel
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Anisiia Doytchinova
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - David Adams
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Keith C Wright
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Chad Meshberger
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Lan S Chen
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Maria P Guerra
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Changyu Shen
- Richard and Susan Smith Center for Outcomes Research in Cardiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shien-Fong Lin
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Chiao-Tung University, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Thomas H Everett
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Vicenta Salanova
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Peng-Sheng Chen
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kember G, Ardell JL, Shivkumar K, Armour JA. Recurrent myocardial infarction: Mechanisms of free-floating adaptation and autonomic derangement in networked cardiac neural control. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180194. [PMID: 28692680 PMCID: PMC5503241 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The cardiac nervous system continuously controls cardiac function whether or not pathology is present. While myocardial infarction typically has a major and catastrophic impact, population studies have shown that longer-term risk for recurrent myocardial infarction and the related potential for sudden cardiac death depends mainly upon standard atherosclerotic variables and autonomic nervous system maladaptations. Investigative neurocardiology has demonstrated that autonomic control of cardiac function includes local circuit neurons for networked control within the peripheral nervous system. The structural and adaptive characteristics of such networked interactions define the dynamics and a new normal for cardiac control that results in the aftermath of recurrent myocardial infarction and/or unstable angina that may or may not precipitate autonomic derangement. These features are explored here via a mathematical model of cardiac regulation. A main observation is that the control environment during pathology is an extrapolation to a setting outside prior experience. Although global bounds guarantee stability, the resulting closed-loop dynamics exhibited while the network adapts during pathology are aptly described as 'free-floating' in order to emphasize their dependence upon details of the network structure. The totality of the results provide a mechanistic reasoning that validates the clinical practice of reducing sympathetic efferent neuronal tone while aggressively targeting autonomic derangement in the treatment of ischemic heart disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guy Kember
- Dept. of Engineering Mathematics and Internetworking/Faculty of Engineering/Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Jeffrey L. Ardell
- David Geffen School of Medicine/Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Kalyanam Shivkumar
- David Geffen School of Medicine/Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - J. Andrew Armour
- David Geffen School of Medicine/Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Low-Level Vagus Nerve Stimulation Suppresses Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation and Inflammation: A Randomized Study. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2017; 3:929-938. [PMID: 29759717 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2017.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study sought to examine the efficacy of low-level vagus nerve stimulation (LLVNS) in suppressing post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) and inflammatory cytokines in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. BACKGROUND POAF often complicates cardiac surgery. METHODS Patients undergoing cardiac surgery were randomized to active or sham LLVNS. In all patients, a bipolar wire was sutured to the vagus nerve pre-ganglionic fibers alongside the lateral aspect of the superior vena cava. High-frequency (20 Hz) stimulation, 50% below the threshold for slowing the heart rate, was delivered for 72 h in the LLVNS group. The development of POAF was monitored continuously during the entire hospital stay by use of telemetry. Blood was collected on arrival in the intensive care unit and at 24 and 72 h for measurement of inflammatory cytokines. Patients were followed up within 1 month after cardiac surgery. RESULTS A total of 54 patients were randomized to either active LLVNS (n = 26) or sham control (n = 28). The baseline characteristics of the patients were balanced in the 2 groups. POAF occurred in 3 patients (12%) in the LLVNS group and 10 patients (36%) in the control group (hazard ratio: 0.28; 95% confidence interval: 0.10 to 0.85; p = 0.027). None of the patients developed any complications as a result of wire placement. At 72 h, serum tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels were significantly lower in the LLVNS group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that LLVNS suppresses POAF and attenuates inflammation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Further studies are warranted.
Collapse
|
38
|
Ardell JL, Shivkumar K. Sympathetic neural recording-It is all in the details. Heart Rhythm 2017; 14:972-973. [PMID: 28438720 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2017.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L Ardell
- University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California; UCLA Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA.
| | - Kalyanam Shivkumar
- University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California; UCLA Neurocardiology Research Center of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
| |
Collapse
|