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Parasympathetic postganglionic pathways to the sinoatrial node.

K M Bluemel¹, R D Wurster, W C Randall

¹Department of Biology, Taylor University, Upland, Indiana 46989.

The American Journal of Physiology

|November 1, 1990

Summary

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Researchers mapped vagal ganglia innervating the canine sinoatrial node (SAN), finding primary pathways near the right pulmonary vein complex. Some vagal slowing of the SAN persists even after ganglionic blockade, suggesting nearby synapses.

Area of Science:

Cardiovascular Physiology
Autonomic Nervous System Research

Background:

The sinoatrial node (SAN) is the heart's primary pacemaker, regulated by the autonomic nervous system.
Vagal innervation plays a crucial role in controlling heart rate, but the precise location of vagal ganglia innervating the canine SAN is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To precisely localize the vagal ganglia and postganglionic pathways innervating the canine sinoatrial node (SAN).
To investigate the role of these pathways in vagal control of SAN rate and atrioventricular conduction.

Main Methods:

Electrophysiological mapping of the canine right atrial epicardial surface in seven dogs.
Electrical stimulation of epicardial regions between the right pulmonary vein fat pad (PVFP) and SAN.
Assessment of SAN rate changes before and after local/systemic ganglionic blockade (hexamethonium).

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Main Results:

Primary vagal postganglionic pathways to the SAN are subepicardial, adjacent to the SAN artery along the sulcus terminalis.
Ganglionic blockade in the PVFP abolished SAN inhibition from preganglionic vagal stimulation but did not affect atrioventricular conduction.
SAN slowing persisted after blockade when stimulating intramural fibers, indicating the presence of synapses closer to the SAN.

Conclusions:

The primary vagal innervation of the canine SAN originates from ganglia within the PVFP, with pathways extending along the sulcus terminalis.
A small number of vagal synapses may exist very close to the SAN, within the fatty connective tissues along the sulcus terminalis.