Inhibition of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase decreases atrioventricular node-paced heart rate in rabbits

Cheng, H., Smith, G.L. , Orchard, C.H., Hancox, J.C. and Burton, F.L. (2012) Inhibition of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase decreases atrioventricular node-paced heart rate in rabbits. Experimental Physiology, 97(10), pp. 1131-1139. (doi: 10.1113/expphysiol.2012.065110)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

Recent data indicate that Ca2+ cycling in isolated atrioventricular node (AVN) cells contributes to setting spontaneous rate. The aim of the present study was to extend this observation to the intact AVN in situ, by evaluating the effects of inhibiting sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ uptake with cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) on intact AVN spontaneous activity and its response to isoprenaline. A model of the AVN-paced heart was produced to investigate intact AVN automaticity, by surgical ablation of the sino-atrial node (SAN) in the rabbit Langendorff-perfused heart. Electrograms were recorded from a site close to the AVN (triangle of Koch), an atrial site above the AVN, the left atrium and right ventricle, enabling AVN pacing of the preparation to be confirmed. Before SAN ablation, the heart rate was 166.8 ± 5.4 beats min−1. Ablation of the SAN was clearly indicated by a sudden and significant decrease of heart rate to 108.6 ± 9.6 beats min−1 (P < 0.01, n = 10). Isoprenaline (100 nM) increased AVN rate to 187.8 ± 12.0 beats min−1 after 1 min of application (P < 0.01, n = 10). Cyclopiazonic acid (10 and 30 μM) decreased AVN rate to 81.6 ± 4.8 (n = 9) and 77.4 ± 6.0 beats min−1 (n = 7), respectively [P < 0.05, 10 or 30 μM CPA versus control (n = 10)] and also reduced the AVN rate increase in response to isoprenaline from 78.8 ± 10.0 to 46.8 ± 6.8 and 26.7 ± 5.3%, respectively (P < 0.01). These inhibitory effects of CPA on the intact AVN rate and its response to isoprenaline indicate that Ca2+ cycling is important to the intact AVN spontaneous activity and its acceleration during sympathetic stimulation.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Smith, Professor Godfrey and Burton, Dr Francis
Authors: Cheng, H., Smith, G.L., Orchard, C.H., Hancox, J.C., and Burton, F.L.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
Journal Name:Experimental Physiology
ISSN:0958-0670
Published Online:04 May 2012

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record