High-resolution, three-dimensional fluorescent imaging reveals multilayer conduction pattern in the atrioventricular node

The atrioventricular node (AVN) is the only normal electrical link between the upper and lower chambers of the heart. The AVN modulates transmission of impulses, thus coordinating the contraction of the atria and ventricles. Structural and functional complexity, combined with the absence of adequate...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Circulation (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 1998-07, Vol.98 (1), p.54-57
Main Authors: EFIMOV, I. R, MAZGALEV, T. N
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Atrioventricular Node - anatomy & histology
Atrioventricular Node - physiology
Biological and medical sciences
Electrocardiography. Vectocardiography
Electrodiagnosis. Electric activity recording
Electrophysiology
Female
In Vitro Techniques
Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects)
Male
Medical sciences
Microelectrodes
Rabbits
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Summary:The atrioventricular node (AVN) is the only normal electrical link between the upper and lower chambers of the heart. The AVN modulates transmission of impulses, thus coordinating the contraction of the atria and ventricles. Structural and functional complexity, combined with the absence of adequate experimental techniques, has complicated attempts to directly evaluate the three-dimensional electrical activity of the AVN. Thus, despite a century of research by conventional electrophysiologic and histologic methods, even the existence of conduction through AVN is still debated. Using a novel combination of microelectrode recordings and high resolution fluorescent imaging with voltage-sensitive dyes, we have for the first time clearly demonstrated three-dimensional conduction through the AVN.
ISSN:0009-7322
1524-4539
DOI:10.1161/01.cir.98.1.54