Chapter 34 – Cholinergic Atrial Fibrillation

摘要: Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been a focus of extensive experimental and clinical work for more than century. Yet, despite being the most common sustained arrhythmia, 1 it continues to be mystery difficult problem both clinician basic electrophysiologist. Moreover, precise pathophysiologic bases its initiation maintenance have not resolved. Although in studies AF is usually induced by electric stimulation atrium, origin “natural” triggers, which precipitates real life, virtually unknown. Neural mechanisms are widely recognized play crucial role atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATs), including AF. 2 3 Numerous data suggest that divisions autonomic nervous system can promote occurrence AF; however, effects vagal (VS) much stronger those sympathetic stimulation. 4 5 VS contributes decreasing refractory periods increasing inhomogeneity refractoriness atria. 6 In dogs, 7 or acetylcholine (ACh) administration 8 maintain electrically as long cholinergic influences continue. animals, ACh shown result without electrical atrium. 9 10 11 The purpose this chapter review recent investigations studying spontaneous models vivo vitro .