Abstract ▼ AI-Helper

Objective: While several studies have demonstrated that the L-type calcium current maintains discontinuous conduction, the contribution of the transient outward current (Ito) to conduction remains unclear. This study evaluated the effects of Ito inhibition on conduction between ventricular myocytes....

Objective: While several studies have demonstrated that the L-type calcium current maintains discontinuous conduction, the contribution of the transient outward current (Ito) to conduction remains unclear. This study evaluated the effects of Ito inhibition on conduction between ventricular myocytes. Methods: An electronic circuit with a variable resistance (Rj) was used to electrically couple single epicardial myocytes isolated from rabbit right ventricle. We inhibited Ito with 4-aminopyridine superfusion, rate-acceleration, or premature stimulation to evaluate the subsequent effects on conduction delay and the critical Rj, which was quantified as the highest Rj that could be imposed before conduction failed. Results: Ito inhibition significantly enhanced conduction in all cell pairs (n=23). Pharmacologic inhibition of Ito resulted in a 32+/-5% decrease in conduction delay and a 36+/-7% increase in critical Rj. Similarly, reduction of the basic cycle length from 2 to 0.5 s resulted in a 31+/-3% decrease in conduction delay and a 31+/-3% increase in critical Rj. Finally, premature action potentials conducted with a 41+/-4% shorter conduction delay and a 73+/-24% higher critical Rj than basic action potentials. Conclusions: Ito inhibition significantly enhanced conduction across high Rj. These results suggest Ito may contribute to rate-dependent conduction abnormalities.

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