心房颤动与Kv1.5钾通道阻滞剂及其研究进展

心房颤动是临床常见的心律失常,药物是心房颤动的主要治疗方法。胺碘酮和心律平等药物虽然可以治疗和转复心房颤动,但长期应用会引起恶性心律失常和心脏外的副作用。抑制Kv1.5钾通道电流,可选择性延长心房肌动作电位时程及有效不应期,改善心房肌的电重构和组织重构。近年来关于Kv1.5钾通道及其阻滞剂的研究迅速发展并引起广泛关注。为进一步探讨Kv1.5钾通道是否可能成为心房颤动的治疗靶点,我们对目前相关研究进展作一综述。     

ERK1/2对低氧大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞Kv1.5通道表达的影响

目的:探讨ERK1/2对低氧大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞(PASMCs)电压门控性钾离子通道(Kv1.5)表达的影响及其机制。方法:原代培养SD大鼠PASMCs,选3~6代PASMCs随机分组:1正常组(N);2低氧组(H);3DMSO组(HD);4U0126组(HU):10μmol/L U0126;5茴香霉素组(HA):10μmol/L茴香霉素。每组3皿细胞,正常组于常氧培养箱(5%CO2,37℃),其余各组均加入0.05%二甲基亚砜(DMSO)于低氧培养箱(5%CO2,2%O2,37℃),均培养60 h。采用RT-PCR和Western blot法测定PASMCs Kv1.5 mRNA和蛋白表达。结果:与N组相比,H、HD、HA组Kv1.5 mRNA和蛋白表达均明显降低(P0.05);较之H和HD组,HU组Kv1.5 mRNA和蛋白表达明显上升((P0.05),与HU组比较,HA组Kv1.5 mRNA和蛋白表达均明显降低(P0.05)。结论:低氧降低Kv1.5 mRNA和蛋白表达,U0126能够对抗低氧引起的Kv1.5通道的低表达,茴香霉素对低氧条件下Kv1.5通道表达无明显影响,但其表达仍显著低于常氧组,提示低氧可能通过干预ERK1/2信号通路抑制Kv1.5通道表达引起低氧性肺动脉高压。     

Kv1.5通道蛋白参与人脑胶质瘤细胞的自噬

脑胶质瘤是原发性颅内恶性肿瘤。患者的5年存活率不足1%。目前,除手术切除外,尚无有效的治疗手段。近年来发现,脑胶质瘤发病可能与多种钾离子通道的异常表达有关。自噬是膜包裹部分胞质和细胞内需降解的蛋白质、细胞器,并与溶酶体一起降解其所包裹内容物的生理过程。诱导胶质瘤细胞的自噬,促进其凋亡是肿瘤治疗的一种新策略。本室前期研究发现,电压依赖型钾通道1.5(Kv1.5)参与胞膜小窖标志蛋白质(caveolae,Cav-1)介导的多种肿瘤细胞的增殖和凋亡,但是否参与胶质瘤细胞的自噬并不清楚。本文首先利用不同浓度的K+通道阻断剂四乙胺(tetra-ethylammonium,TEA)、Kv通道阻断剂四氨基吡啶(4-amino-pyridine,4-AP)和Kv1.5通道特异性阻断剂DPO-1(diphenyl phosphine oxide-1)分别在不同时间,作用于人脑胶质瘤细胞U251,观察其对细胞存活的影响。发现DPO-1对U251细胞具有双向作用:低浓度促进存活,高浓度抑制存活。其中,1 mmol/L DPO-1处理6 h,可促进自噬相关蛋白质LC3的表达,而抑制mTOR信号蛋白质的磷酸化水平,表明Kv1.5通道可能参与胶质瘤细胞的自噬。然后,利用基因转染技术分别敲低和过表达Kv1.5通道的蛋白质水平,发现敲低Kv1.5通道蛋白,促进胶质瘤细胞的自噬,激活ERK信号通路,而过表达Kv1.5通道蛋白,则抑制胶质瘤细胞的自噬。进一步利用流式细胞技术观察细胞凋亡,发现改变Kv1.5通道蛋白的表达水平,可诱发细胞早期凋亡。提示Kv1.5通道参与人脑胶质瘤细胞的自噬过程。这为临床利用特异性Kv通道阻断剂靶向治疗胶质瘤提供了新的理论和实验依据。     

人乳腺MCF10A细胞系K~+通道的表达和特性及其与增殖的关系

近年来发现,K+通道与乳腺癌细胞的增殖和转化密切相关,但机制尚不清楚。本研究室前期报道了K+通道阻断剂4-氨基吡啶(4-aminopyridine,4-AP)能够抑制人乳腺上皮细胞的增殖,本文则进一步检测几种电压门控K+通道(voltage-gatedK+channel,Kv)在人乳腺上皮细胞系MCF10A中的表达,运用全细胞膜片钳技术,初步研究了该细胞K+通道的特性,观察K+通道阻断剂对细胞增殖以及信号通路蛋白活性的影响。结果显示,MCF10A细胞均有Kv1.1、Kv1.2、Kv1.3和Kv1.5基因mRNA的表达,其中Kv1.5表达量明显高于乳腺癌细胞MCF7。全细胞膜片钳钳制细胞于-60mV,给予持续时间800ms、范围从-60mV到+60mV的去极化刺激电压,步幅为10mV,然后给予持续150ms的-60mV的刺激,刺激频率为1Hz,可记录到一种跨膜电流,该电流具有电压依赖、外向整流的特性,并且能被Kv通道阻断剂4-AP阻断,证实该细胞膜存在Kv通道。此外,4-AP阻断K+通道10min后,与增殖相关的有丝分裂原活化蛋白激酶(mitogen-activated protein kinases,MAPK)信号通路ERK1/2蛋白活性增强而p38蛋白活性减弱;5mmol/L4-AP处理细胞48h后,MCF10A的生长抑制率为25.29%。以上结果提示,在人乳腺上皮细胞系MCF10A细胞膜上存在不同亚型的Kv通道,该通道可被4-AP阻断,并且4-AP能够抑制MCF10A细胞的增殖,其机制可能与细胞增殖信号通路不同成员的活性调节有关。     

自发性高血压大鼠和Wistar大鼠淋巴细胞Kv通道表达差异

本研究采用全细胞膜片钳技术、实时荧光定量PCR技术及Western blot技术检测自发性高血压大鼠(spontaneously hypertensive rat,SHR)和Wistar大鼠外周血淋巴细胞电压依赖性钾通道(voltage dependent potassium channel,Kv)电流密度及Kv1.3mRNA和蛋白表达水平,探讨淋巴细胞Kv通道在高血压病中的变化,为高血压病淋巴细胞激活提供证据。结果显示:(1)SHR淋巴细胞Kv峰值(取自阶跃电压中+60mV)电流密度为(119±10)pA/pF(n=30),Wistar大鼠为(56±9)pA/pF(n=40),SHR淋巴细胞Kv峰值电流密度明显高于Wistar大鼠(P0.05);(2)与Wistar大鼠相比,SHR淋巴细胞Kv1.3 mRNA表达增多(P0.05);(3)SHR淋巴细胞Kv1.3蛋白表达水平高于Wistar大鼠(P0.05)。结果提示,SHR淋巴细胞上有更多功能性Kv通道,Kv通道可能与SHR淋巴细胞激活有关。     

中枢神经系统内神经元信号处理(英文)

一种新颖的轴突断端(axon bleb)膜片钳记录方法大力促进了中枢神经系统轴突功能的研究。我们的工作应用这一方法揭示了大脑皮层锥体神经元的数码信号(具全或无特性的动作电位)的爆发和传播机制。在轴突始段(axon initial segment,AIS)远端高密度聚集的低阈值Na+通道亚型Nav1.6决定动作电位的爆发;而在AIS近端高密度聚集的高阈值Na+通道亚型Nav1.2促进动作电位向胞体和树突的反向传播。应用胞体和轴突的同时记录,我们发现胞体阈下膜电位的变化可以在轴突上传播较长的距离并可到达那些离胞体较近的突触前终末。进一步的研究证明了胞体膜电位的变化调控动作电位触发的突触传递,该膜电位依赖的突触传递是一种模拟式的信号传递。轴突上一类特殊K+通道(Kv1)的活动调制动作电位的波形,特别是其波宽,从而调控各种突触前膜电位水平下突触强度的变化。突触前终末的背景Ca2+浓度也可能参与模拟信号的传递。这些发现深化了我们对中枢神经系统内神经信号处理基本原理的认识,进而帮助我们理解脑如何工作。     

敬钊毒素-V对Kv4.3通道的抑制作用

K+通道亚型Kv4.3在调节心肌细胞动作电位的幅度与时程方面具有重要作用,是治疗心律失常的有效作用靶点,但目前世界上该通道的特异性抑制剂非常缺乏。敬钊毒素-V(Jingzhaotoxin-V,JZTX-V)是从敬钊缨毛蜘蛛粗毒中纯化到的一种新型肽类神经毒素,能够部分抑制大鼠背根神经节细胞上的瞬时外向K+电流,其半数有效抑制浓度(IC50值)为52.3nmol/L。为了研究JZTX-V对Kv4.3通道的作用,本实验通过多肽固相化学合成的方法得到JZTX-V,并用双电极杆电压钳技术检测JZTX-V对表达在非洲爪蟾卵母细胞上的Kv4.3通道电流的作用。结果显示,JZTX-V能够完全抑制Kv4.3通道电流,并且这种抑制作用具有浓度依赖性和时间依赖性,其IC50值为425.1nmol/L,JZTX-V还能够使通道的电流-电压关系曲线和稳态失活曲线分别向去极化方向漂移大约29mV和10mV,改变Kv4.3通道的动力学特征,因此我们推测JZTX-V是一种Kv4.3通道门控调制毒素。以上研究结果对于开发心肌Kv4.3通道的分子探针及以Kv4.3通道为靶点的药物设计具有借鉴作用。     

温度诱导的下丘脑神经元Kv簇状开放的特性

采用膜片钳细胞贴附式技术 ,观察和记录了32℃、37℃和39℃时下丘脑神经元电压依赖性K +单离子通道 (Kv)的活动 ,探讨Kv簇状开放 (Burstopening)与开放概率的关系。结果表明 ,温度升高时 ,单位时间内记录到的Burst开放明显增多 ,开放概率NPo从37℃时的0.175±0.124升至39℃时的0.696±0.187(P<0.01)。明显影响NPo的Burst开放有关参数包括Burst内部的开放数目和两个Burst开放的间期。温度升高 ,Burst开放内部开放数目增多 ,两个Burst开放间期明显缩短 ,39℃时出现较多的近Burst开放     

Kv4.2通道电流与大鼠海马神经元瞬间外向钾电流特性的比较

本研究比较了转染的Kv4.2钾电流与原代培养大鼠海马神经元上瞬间外向钾电流(IA)动力学特征。实验采用瞬时转染,细胞培养和全细胞膜片钳记录等方法。结果表明:转染的Kv4.2通道电流和海马神经元上IA均具有明显的A型电流特征。海马神经元IA的半数最大激活电位和斜率因子分别为-10.0±3.3 mV和13.9±2.6 mV;半数最大失活电位和斜率因子分别为-93.0±11.4 mV和-9.0±1.5 mV;失活后再激活恢复时间常数(T)为27.9±14.1 ms。Kv4.2的半数最大激活电位和斜率因子分别为-9.7±4.1 mV和15.8±5.7 mV;半数最大失活电位和斜率因子分别为-59.4±12.2 mV和8.0±3.1 mV;Kv4.2的灭活后再激活的恢复时间常数τ为172.8±10.0 ms。结果提示:Kv4.2通道电流可能是海马神经元上的IA电流的主要成分,但不是唯一成分。     

用心电图机描记蟾蜍心脏单向动作电位

以细胞内微电极技术测定心肌细胞动作电位,或用接触电极引导心脏单向动作电位,常用的显示或记录动作电位仪器有示波器、记录仪等。另外还需要不少配套设备(如示波照像机),这不是所有实验室都能办到的。我们利用现有设备,摸索出一种以心电图机为主描记蟾蜍在体心脏单向动作电位的方法,已经用于教学。     

Toxic concentrations of selenite shortens repolarization phase of action potential in rat papillary muscle

Selenium (Se) has long been recognized as both an essential mammalian nutrient and a hazardous element. Sodium selenite is commonly used as a dietary supplement for the treatment of Se deficiency. On the other hand, chronic Se toxicity has been demonstrated to affect the major organs, including the heart, in experimental animals. This study examines the effects of high concentrations of extracellular selenite (in the range of 0.001–1 mM) application into the recording bath on the electrical properties of rat papillary muscles. Conventional glass semifloating microelectrodes were used to record intracellular action potentials (APs) in isolated rat papillary muscles. The amplitude of APs and the resting membrane potential of papillary muscles were not changed following a 20-min selenite (1 mM) application compared to the first minute of its application. Freshly isolated ventricular myocytes by an enzymatic method were used to determine the selenite-induced alterations in Na⁺ currents. Na⁺ currents, measured at 22°C, by the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, decreased by 38±8% in the presence of 1 mM selenite for 5 min. These selenite-induced effects were not reversed, but are restored by dithiothreitol (1 mM). These results demonstrated that toxic concentrations of selenite induced a significant shortening in AP duration as a result of an increase in the rate of repolarization. Our findings also suggest that a decrease in Na⁺ currents, in addition to Ca²⁺ currents, may play a role in the shortening of AP duration in rat papillary muscles.     

Changes of action potential and L-type calcium channel current of Sprague-Dawley rat ventricular myocytes by different amlodipine isomers

To investigate the effects of S- and R-amlodipine (Aml) on action potential (AP) and L-type calcium channel current (ICa-L), the whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used on rat ventricular myocytes to record AP, ICa-L, peak currents, steady-state activation currents, steady-state inactivation currents, and recovery currents from inactivation with S-Aml and R-Aml at various concentrations. Increasing concentrations of S-Aml gradually shortened AP durations (APDs). At concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 micromol/L, S-Aml blocked 1.5% +/- 0.2%, 25.4% +/- 5.3%, 65.2% +/- 7.3%, 78.4% +/- 8.1%, and 94.2% +/- 5.0% of ICa-L, respectively (p < 0.05), and the half-inhibited concentration was 0.62 +/- 0.12 micromol/L. Current-voltage curves were shifted upward; steady-state activation and inactivation curves were shifted to the left. At these concentrations of S-Aml, the half-activation voltages were -16.01 +/- 1.65, -17.61 +/- 1.60, -20.17 +/- 1.46, -21.87 +/- 1.69, and -24.09 +/- 1.87 mV, respectively, and the slope factors were increased (p < 0.05). The half-inactivation voltages were -27.16 +/- 4.48, -28.69 +/- 4.52, -31.19 +/- 4.17, -32.63 +/- 4.34, and -35.16 +/- 4.46 mV, respectively, and the slope factors were increased (p < 0.05). The recovery times from inactivation of S-Aml were prolonged (p < 0.05). In contrast, R-Aml had no effect on AP and ICa-L (p > 0.05) at the concentrations tested. Thus, only S-Aml has calcium channel blockade activity, whereas R-Aml has none of the pharmacologic actions associated with calcium channel blockers.     

Effects of Extracellular Diadenosine Tetraphosphate on Action Potentials in the Atrial and Ventricular Myocardium of the Rat Heart during Early Postnatal Ontogenesis

Diadenosine tetraphosphate (AP4A) belongs to a wide group of naturally derived endogenous purine compounds that have recently been considered as new neurotransmitters in the autonomic nervous system. It has been shown that AP4A induces inhibitory effects and modulates adrenergic control in the heart of adult mammals. Nevertheless, the physiological significance of AP4A in early postnatal development, when sympathetic innervation remains yet immature, has not been investigated. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the effects of AP4A on the heart bioelectrical activity in early postnatal ontogenesis. Action potentials (AP) were recorded using the standard microelectrode technique in multicellular isolated right atrial (RA), left atrial (LA), and ventricle (RV) preparations from male Wistar rats at postnatal days 1, 14, and 21 and from 60-day animals that were considered as adults. The application of AP4A caused significant reduction of AP duration in atrial (RA and LA) preparations from rats of all ages. Also, AP4A caused significant AP shortening in RV preparations from rats of various ages; however, the effect was more pronounced in 21-day-old and adult rats. AP4A failed to alter automaticity of RA preparations from the rats at postnatal days 1, 14, and 21 and weakly decreased spontaneous rhythm in RA preparations from the adult rats. The effect of AP4A was partially abolished by P2-receptor blocker PPADS in LA preparations from both 21-dayold and adult rats, while it failed to suppress AP4A-caused AP shortening in preparations from 1- and 14-dayold animals. Thus, extracellular AP4A causes shortening of AP both in the atrial and ventricular myocardium in the rats of early postnatal ontogenesis and in adults. The effect of AP4A depends on age only for ventricular myocardium where it may be attributed with growing contribution of diadenosine polyphosphates to the control of myocardium inotropy.     

Effect of chronic ethanol, catalase inhibitor 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole and clofibrate treatment on lipid peroxidation in rat myocardium

1. The effect of chronic alcohol consumption, catalase inhibitor 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (amino-triazole) and peroxisome proliferator clofibrate on the level of Fe/ADP-ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation has been studied in the rat myocardium. The intensity of lipid peroxidation was measured using chemiluminescence technique and malondialdehyde formation. 2. Combined us well as separate treatment with ethanol (36% of dietary calories) and aminotriazole caused elevation of the rate of lipid peroxidation in the nuclear-free homogenate or total particulate fraction of the rat heart. The most pronounced effect was noted during combined application of ethanol and aminotriazole. 3. Prolonged clofibrate treatment significantly increased the level of nonenzymatic lipid peroxidation in the rat myocardium. 4. Peroxidative alteration of the myocardial lipids in vivo was evaluated by measurement of conjugated dienes (absorbance at 233 nm). Separate ethanol, aminotriazole or clofibrate treatment did not affect the level of u.v. absorption of lipids from the total particulate fraction. However, when ethanol and aminotriazole were administered simultaneously an increase of conjugated diene formation was observed. 5. The data obtained confirm the hypothesis that ethanol or clofibrate-induced activation of the myocardial lipid peroxidation may be due to the increase of hydrogen peroxide-generating capacity of the heart microperoxisomes.     

Action potentials of the rabbit, guinea pig, dog and albino rat working ventricular myocardium under interpolated extrasystole conditions during postnatal ontogenesis

Experiments were carried out on the working myocardium of the right heart ventricle of newborn and adult rabbits, guinea-pigs, dogs and albino rats. In the dog, the guinea-pig and the rabbit, after ten action potentials (AP) elicited with 1 Hz frequency we always interpolated an extrasystole at an interval (TE) of 100-900 ms. In albino rats we used a basic frequency of 2 Hz and a TE of 30-370 ms from the last regular AP. Using glass microelectrodes, we recorded the extrasystolic AP (EAP) and the next subsequent AP (2AP). The results were evaluated by constructing graphs of the correlations of the duration of the plateau phase (D0) to TE and of the duration of repolarization to -60 mV level (D60) to the TE. In the myocardium of newborn rabbits, guinea-pigs and dogs, with short TE both D0 and D60 of the EAP are shorter than in the steady state (SS), while for the 2AP the same parameters are influenced only a little. As the TE lengthens, the EAP gradually acquire a length corresponding more to the SS. With TE longer than half the duration of the cycle in the steady state the EAP return to normal, while the 2AP become shorter. The effect of extrasystole on the rat EAP and 2AP diminished with advancing age. In the myocardium of adult rabbits and adult guinea-pigs, and slightly in the myocardium of adult dogs and newborn rats, we observed that the duration of the EAP, with certain TE, was greater than in the steady state.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Direct inhibition of testosterone synthesis in rat testis interstitial cells by ethanol: possible sites of action

The present in vitro studies using interstitial cells of adult rat testes demonstrated that ethanol inhibits LH- and 8-bromo-cyclic AMP-stimulated testosterone synthesis, pregnenolone- and progesterone-stimulated testosterone synthesis, and basal testosterone synthesis. However, the patterns of inhibition following exposure to 0.22 to 880 or 1100 mM ethanol were different. In general, the inhibition curves for LH-, 8-bromo-cyclic AMP-, pregnenolone- and progesterone-stimulated testosterone synthesis were biphasic, with a gradual slope from 0.22 to 220 mM ethanol, and a sharper slope with concentrations of ethanol greater than 220 mM. Basal testosterone synthesis was reduced only to 74% of control with ethanol concentrations up to 44 mM, and higher concentrations of ethanol reduced testosterone synthesis no further. The effect of ethanol on Lh-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation showed an even different pattern: some of the lower concentrations of ethanol inhibited cyclic AMP accumulation, while higher levels of ethanol progressively increased cyclic AMP accumulation. These studies demonstrate that isolated interstitial cells are highly sensitive to the direct effects of ethanol; they also suggest that the principle site of ethanol inhibition may be at the level of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum where progesterone is converted to testosterone.     

Nitric oxide modulates intensity of non-quantal acetylcholine release in myocardium of the right atrium of rat

The main parasympathetic neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) is released in the myocardium from the intramural postganglionic parasympathetic nerve endings. The mechanism of non-quantal ACh release has been recently demonstrated in these neurons. Non-quantal ACh release does not depend on exocytosis of ACh-containing vesicles in response to nerve impulse activity but is assumed to be mediated by the high-affinity choline uptake system. The intensity of non-quantal ACh release in the myocardium correlates with the degree of manifestation of the effects of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors inducing the accumulation of non-quantal ACh in the myocardium. The present study deals with the influence of putative modulators of non-quantal ACh release: nitric oxide (NO) and ATP, on the intensity of cholinergic effects induced by organophosphorous acetylcholinesterase inhibitor paraoxon. Intracellular registration of bioelectrical activity in isolated right atrium preparations from rats was used. Under normal conditions, paraoxon (10^?7–10^?5 M) induced a marked decrease in the action potential (AP) duration at a level of 50 and 90% repolarization in the working right atrial myocardium and slowed down the sinus rhythm. ATP, which is known to suppress nonquantal ACh release in the neuromuscular junction, did not induce significant reduction or augmentation of the effects of paraoxon (5 × 10^?6 M). The NO donors, sodium nitroprusside (10^?5 M) and SNAP (10^?4 M), significantly reduced the paraoxon-induced AP shortening. Moreover, sodium nitroprusside decreased the negative chronotropic effect of paraoxon by 43.7%. On the contrary, NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME (10^?4 M), which is known to suppress endogenous NO production, augmented the AP shortening caused by paraoxon. It may be deduced that NO is a universal regulator of non-quantal ACh release intensity both in the myocardium and in the neuromuscular junction.     

Ryanodine in low concentrations is a Ca-release stimulator rather than inhibitor in rat myocardium

The effects of ryanodine on negative force staircase and potentiated rested-state contraction (RC) in rat myocardium were compared to the action of Ca release stimulator (caffeine) and inhibitors (local anesthetics). Only low ryanodine concentrations (0.1-0.5 mumol/l) were found to reverse anomalous mechanical patterns in rat myocardium to similar to those as generally observed in other mammalian species. Ryanodine-induced positive staircase and a weak RC were potentiated by noradrenaline. The results obtained seem to characterize ryanodine as a Ca2+ release stimulator rather than an inhibitor in this species and suggest different molecular substrates for ryanodine and caffeine inotropy in rat myocardium.     

Metabolism of extracellular phosphocreatine during changes in the ionic composition of the medium in the perfused rat heart]

Perfusion of isolated rat hearts with a phosphocreatine (10(-4) M) containing solution to which strophanthin or KCl had been added up to a concentration of 27 mM as well as Ca2+ depletion decreased phosphocreatine concentration in the perfusate with a simultaneous increase in creatine and phosphocreatine concentrations in the myocardium. Neither high extracellular concentrations of Na+ (200 mM), nor phosphocreatine increased creatine and phosphocreatine levels in the myocardium. The effect of high sodium perfusion media was completely reversed by strophanthin. Phosphocreatine decreased the lactate content in the perfusate. Strophanthin or potassium chloride enhanced the effect of phosphocreatine on the lactate release. Conversely, creatine augmented the lactate content in the perfusate. A high specificity of the phosphocreatine effect on the myocardium independently of the ionic composition of the perfusate was postulated. A mechanism of protective effects of phosphocreatine and high sodium perfusion media on "calcium paradox" is proposed.     

Influence of a period of inactivity on the duration of post-rest action potentials of the mammalian working ventricular myocardium in correlation to the preceding stimulation frequency

Experiments were carried out on the working right ventricular myocardium of adult cats, guinea-pigs and rabbits. Membrane voltage was recorded by the glass microelectrode technique and the preparations were stimulated with frequencies of 5, 1 and 0.2 Hz. After a steady state had been reached, a pause (TP) lasting 10-600 s was interpolated. The influence of TP on the duration (D) of post-rest action potentials (AP) was studied; the effect of the pause was measured at electric zero level (D0) and at further repolarization levels (-20, -40 and -60 mV, given here as D-20, D-40 and D-60). At 1 and 0.2 Hz frequency, the cat myocardium displayed lengthening of the AP proportional to the duration of the pause; at 5 Hz frequency, D0 reacted by lengthening up to TP = 120 s and to further pauses by slight shortening. D-60, at all frequencies, lengthened throughout the whole of the given TP range. The rabbit myocardium, at all the given frequencies, reacted up to TP = 60-120 s by marked shortening of post-rest AP at all repolarization levels; with longer pauses the AP lengthened. At 5 Hz frequency the guinea-pig myocardium reacted similarly to the cat myocardium; at the lower stimulation frequencies, the pause-induced changes in the post-rest AP were less strongly expressed. In all the given types of myocardium, the most pronounced post-rest AP reactions were those at electric zero level (the plateau phase of the AP); towards more negative repolarization values and with lower pre-pause stimulation frequencies they were less strongly expressed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)