β-Adrenergic stimulation induces pro-arrhythmic activity in the caval vein myocardial tissue

Dokl Biol Sci. 2017 Sep;476(1):183-187. doi: 10.1134/S0012496617050027. Epub 2017 Nov 4.

Abstract

Electrical activity of the right superior vena cava (SVC) is considered as a source of the atrial fibrillation. We have shown that bioelectrical properties of the SVC myocardium differ from those of the working atrial myocardium. Electrically evoked action potential duration in SVC is significantly shorter, the resting membrane potential in both stimulated and quiescent SVC preparations is significantly more positive than in atria. Activation of β-adrenoreceptors in SVC myocardium leads to a series of action potentials, and this process depends on protein kinase A. Probably, β-adrenergic stimulation enhances SVC arrhythmogenesis in vivo.

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / drug effects
  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / administration & dosage*
  • Animals
  • Atrial Fibrillation / genetics
  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology*
  • Atrial Function / drug effects
  • Atrial Function / physiology
  • Electrophysiological Phenomena
  • Epinephrine / administration & dosage
  • Heart Atria / drug effects*
  • Heart Atria / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Myocardium / pathology
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / genetics
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / metabolism
  • Vena Cava, Superior / drug effects*
  • Vena Cava, Superior / physiopathology

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta
  • Epinephrine