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Mechano-electric feedback in the fish heart
Simon M Patrick1, Ed White, Holly A Shiels
1Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, England. simon.patrick@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk
Plos One
|May 19, 2010
Summary
Mechanoelectric feedback (MEF) was investigated in trout hearts, revealing its presence in fish ventricular tissue. This process, possibly mediated by TRPC1 ion channels, modulates electrical activity in response to mechanical changes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Electrophysiology
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- Mechanoelectric feedback (MEF) is the modulation of electrical activity by mechanical forces, often mediated by mechanosensitive ion channels (MSCs).
- MEF has not been studied in fish ventricular tissue, despite fish hearts experiencing significant volume changes during exercise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and mechanisms of MEF in fish ventricular myocardium.
- To validate monophasic action potential (MAP) recording techniques for fish hearts.
Main Methods:
- Isolated working trout hearts were subjected to increased afterload to induce ventricular dilation.
- Monophasic action potentials (MAPs) were recorded during mechanical stimulation.
- The trout TRPC1 gene, a candidate MSC, was cloned and its presence in heart tissue confirmed.
Main Results:
- Ventricular dilation significantly altered MAP duration, shortening it at 25% repolarization and lengthening it at 90% repolarization.
- These changes suggest the activation of cationic non-selective MSCs (MSC(NS)s).
- Trout TRPC1 was identified in the ventricular myocardium.
Conclusions:
- MEF is present in fish ventricular myocardium, similar to amphibians and mammals.
- MAP recording is a valid technique for studying fish heart electrophysiology.
- MEF in fish may be mediated by mechanosensitive TRPC1 ion channels.
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