Vagal entrainment of heart rate is simulated by an integrator with feedback

Australas Phys Eng Sci Med. 2001 Jun;24(2):86-94. doi: 10.1007/BF03178351.

Abstract

Paradoxical stable entrainment of heart rate to inhibitory vagal impulses can be simulated with two distinct mathematical models; a complex ionic current model of sinoatrial node pacemaker activity, as well as a simple integrator with non-linear feedback. We show that both models exhibit similar entrainment characteristics to repetitive vagal stimuli. By applying a sharp disturbance to each model whilst entrained, the subsequent path of cycle length recovery can be described by dynamic phase response curves and phase-phase plots, the properties of which dictate whether stable entrainment is possible.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Feedback
  • Heart Rate / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Models, Cardiovascular
  • Sinoatrial Node / physiology
  • Vagus Nerve / physiology*