Electrophysiological and pharmacological properties of the pulmonary vein myocardium.

Iyuki Namekata, Yayoi Tsuneoka, Hikaru Tanaka

Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Funabashi, Chiba 274–8510, Japan.

Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin 2013

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The pulmonary vein contains a myocardial layer extending from the left atrium, which is receiving attention as the source of ectopic electrical activity underlying atrial fibrillation. Electrophysiological and pharmacological analysis of the pulmonary vein myocardium performed in various experimental animal species have revealed characteristics such as presence of intracellular Ca(2+) oscillations and low repolarizing potency. The automaticity of the pulmonary vein myocardium is affected by various neurotransmitters, hormones and pharmacological agents. Clarification of the mechanisms and regulation of pulmonary vein automaticity would lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies and pharmacological agents for atrial fibrillation.

Citation

Iyuki Namekata, Yayoi Tsuneoka, Hikaru Tanaka. Electrophysiological and pharmacological properties of the pulmonary vein myocardium. Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin. 2013;36(1):2-7