The Rho/Rho-kinase Systems Are Involved in Rapid Pacing-induced Changes of Atrial Refractory Period in a Canine Model

Hiroshi Furusho, MD; Satoru Sakagami, MD PHD; Masayuki Takamura, MD PHD; Katsunori Kitano, MD; Tsuyoshi Abe, MD; Motoaki Hirazawa, MD; Soichiro Usui, MD PHD; Masaki Okajima, MD PHD; Takahiro Saeki, MD PHD; Michiro Maruyama, MD PHD; Shuichi Kaneko, MD PHD; Sigeo Takata, MD PHD

doi:10.1016/S1880-4276(06)80015-3

Journal of Arrhythmia (Jan 2006)

The Rho/Rho-kinase Systems Are Involved in Rapid Pacing-induced Changes of Atrial Refractory Period in a Canine Model

Hiroshi Furusho, MD,
Satoru Sakagami, MD PHD,
Masayuki Takamura, MD PHD,
Katsunori Kitano, MD,
Tsuyoshi Abe, MD,
Motoaki Hirazawa, MD,
Soichiro Usui, MD PHD,
Masaki Okajima, MD PHD,
Takahiro Saeki, MD PHD,
Michiro Maruyama, MD PHD,
Shuichi Kaneko, MD PHD,
Sigeo Takata, MD PHD

Affiliations

Hiroshi Furusho, MD: Department of Cardiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
Satoru Sakagami, MD PHD: Department of Cardiology, Kanazawa Medical Center, Kanazawa, Japan
Masayuki Takamura, MD PHD: Department of Cardiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
Katsunori Kitano, MD: Department of Cardiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
Tsuyoshi Abe, MD: Department of Cardiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
Motoaki Hirazawa, MD: Department of Cardiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
Soichiro Usui, MD PHD: Department of Cardiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
Masaki Okajima, MD PHD: Department of Cardiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
Takahiro Saeki, MD PHD: Department of Cardiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
Michiro Maruyama, MD PHD: Department of Cardiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
Shuichi Kaneko, MD PHD: Department of Cardiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
Sigeo Takata, MD PHD: Department of Health Science, Faculty of Medicine, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1880-4276(06)80015-3
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 22, no. 3
pp. 167 – 173

Abstract

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Introduction: The Rho/Rho-kinase pathway has been related to various physiological responses of the cardiovascular system. Previous reports have suggested a significant effect of Rho signals on the electrophysiological characteristics of the heart. We hypothesized that the Rho/Rho-kinase system would contribute to the rapid pacing-related change of atrial effective refractory period (AERP). Methods and Results: In 17 dogs, AERP was measured at the right atrial appendage (RAA) and posterior left atrium (LA) before, during, and after 6-hours rapid atrial pacing at 500 bpm. Saline control (n = 5), verapamil (n = 5), or fasudil (n = 7) were infused throughout the protocol. The shortening of AERP after rapid pacing was abrogated by the administration of verapamil, as reported in previous studies. Furthermore, fasudil (Rho/Rho-kinase inhibitor) influenced the change of AERP in a manner similar to the infusion of verapamil throughout the experiments. Conclusions: Since the AERP was attenuated by fasudil, rapid pacing-related atrial electrophysiological changes might involve the Rho/Rho-kinase pathway.

Published in Journal of Arrhythmia

ISSN: 1880-4276 (Print); 1883-2148 (Online)
Publisher: Wiley
Country of publisher: Australia
LCC subjects: Medicine: Internal medicine: Specialties of internal medicine: Diseases of the circulatory (Cardiovascular) system
Website: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/18832148

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