The mechanisms underlying many important properties of the human atrial action potential (AP)
are poorly understood. Using specific formulations of the K+, Na+, and Ca2+ currents based on
data recorded from human atrial myocytes, along with representations of pump, exchange, and
background currents, we developed a mathematical model of the AP. The model AP resembles APs
recorded from human atrial samples and responds to rate changes, L-type Ca2+ current blockade,
Na+/Ca2+ exchanger inhibition, and variations in transient outward current amplitude in a
fashion similar to experimental recordings. Rate-dependent adaptation of AP duration, an
important determinant of susceptibility to atrial fibrillation, was attributable to
incomplete L-type Ca2+ current recovery from inactivation and incomplete delayed rectifier
current deactivation at rapid rates. Experimental observations of variable AP morphology
could be accounted for by changes in transient outward current density, as suggested
experimentally. We conclude that this mathematical model of the human atrial AP reproduces
a variety of observed AP behaviors and provides insights into the mechanisms of clinically
important AP properties.
Reference:
1 .
Courtemanche M, Ramirez RJ, Nattel S (1998) Ionic mechanisms underlying human atrial action potential properties: insights from a mathematical model. Am J Physiol 275:H301-21 [PubMed]
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