Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
09:17
High-Resolution Endocardial and Epicardial Optical Mapping in a Sheep Model of Stretch-Induced Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: July 29, 2011
Atrial fibrillation: a developmental point of view
Mathilda T M Mommersteeg1, Vincent M Christoffels, Robert H Anderson
1Heart Failure Research Center, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Heart Rhythm
|September 4, 2009
Summary
Understanding the embryological development of pulmonary venous myocardium is key to understanding familial atrial fibrillation (AF). Differences in gene expression and development between pulmonary and systemic venous myocardial sleeves may explain ectopic pacemaking in AF.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Myocardial sleeves of pulmonary and systemic veins are anatomical sources of atrial fibrillation (AF).
- Familial inheritance and genetic factors are increasingly recognized in paroxysmal AF.
- Ectopic pacemaking activity is a key mechanism underlying AF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the embryological development of pulmonary venous myocardium.
- To highlight developmental differences between pulmonary and systemic venous myocardial sleeves.
- To correlate developmental and genetic factors with AF origins.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on cardiac embryology and AF genetics.
- Comparative analysis of gene expression patterns in pulmonary and systemic venous myocardium.
- Emphasis on developmental origins of myocardial sleeves.
Main Results:
- Pulmonary and systemic venous myocardial sleeves originate differently and have distinct gene expression programs.
- Pulmonary venous myocardium is particularly sensitive to gene expression changes favoring pacemaking.
- Differences in development and gene expression may predispose to ectopic pacemaking.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the distinct embryological development of pulmonary venous myocardium is crucial for elucidating AF origins.
- Developmental and genetic insights offer potential for improved AF diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:25ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
01:29Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias
Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are irregular heart rhythms that result from abnormal electrical activity in the heart, affecting its ability to circulate blood efficiently. Tachyarrhythmias, a subset of dysrhythmias, are characterized by abnormally fast heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. Here are some types of tachyarrhythmias with their distinct ECG features:Sinus Tachycardia:Sinus tachycardia presents a regular heart rhythm with an increased rate of 101-180 beats per minute.
01:29Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
01:27Development of the Heart
The development of the human heart, a crucial organ, commences from the mesoderm on the 18th or 19th day after fertilization. This process initiates in the cardiogenic area, a group of mesodermal cells at the embryo's head end, which evolves into elongated strands known as cardiogenic cords. These cords undergo a transformation to form hollow-centered endocardial tubes.
As the embryo undergoes lateral folding, these paired tubes approach each other, merging into a single primitive heart tube by...
As the embryo undergoes lateral folding, these paired tubes approach each other, merging into a single primitive heart tube by...
01:15Dysrhythmias I: Introduction
Dysrhythmias refers to abnormalities in the heart's rhythm. They result from disruptions in the heart's electrical conduction system, which includes the sinoatrial(SA)node, atrioventricular(AV) node, the bundle of His, bundle branches, and Purkinje fibers.Definition and PathophysiologyDysrhythmias result from disorders of impulse formation, impulse conduction, or both. The heart contains specialized cells in the sinoatrial node, atrioventricular node, and the bundle of His and Purkinje fibers...
01:28Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms occurring when the heart's electrical impulses become abnormal. These disturbances can lead to various symptoms, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. Some common factors contributing to arrhythmias include hypoxia, ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, excessive catecholamine exposure, drug toxicity, and muscle overstretching. Arrhythmias can be classified into two main types based on the rate and site of origin of abnormal heart rhythms.