Abstract
A computational model of single rabbit sinoatrial (SA) node cells has been revised to fit data on regional variation of rabbit SA node cell oscillation properties. The revised model simulates differences in oscillation frequency, maximum diastolic potential, overshoot potential, and peak upstroke velocity observed in cells from different regions of the node. Dynamic properties of electrically coupled cells, each with different intrinsic oscillation frequency, are studied as a function of coupling conductance. Simulation results demonstrate at least four distinct regimes of behavior as coupling conductance is varied: a) independent oscillation (Gc < 1 pS); b) complex oscillation (1 ≤ Gc < 220 pS); c) frequency, but not waveform entrainment (Gc ≥ 220 pS); and d) frequency and waveform entrainment (Gc ≥ 50 nS). The conductance of single cardiac myocyte gap junction channels is about 50 pS. These simulations therefore show that very few gap junction channels between each cell are required for frequency entrainment. Analyses of large-scale SA node network models implemented on the Connection Machine CM-200 supercomputer indicate that frequency entrainment of large networks is also supported hy a small number of gap junction channels between neighboring cells.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 217-231 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering |
Volume | 41 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 1994 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biomedical Engineering