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Modeling our understanding of the His-Purkinje system

Edward J Vigmond1, Bruno D Stuyvers2

  • 1LIRYC, Institute of Electrophysiology and Cardiac Modeling, Hôpital Xavier Arnozan, avenue Haut-Lévèque, 33600 Pessac, France; Institut de Mathématiques de Bordeaux, Université de Bordeaux, 351, cours de la Libération, F 33 405 Talence, France; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.

Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology
|January 8, 2016
PubMed

Insights

The His-Purkinje System (HPS) coordinates ventricular contraction but is poorly understood. This review details HPS structure, function, and computational modeling, highlighting its role in cardiac arrhythmias.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Computational Biology

Background:

  • The His-Purkinje System (HPS) is crucial for rapid ventricular electrical conduction and coordinated contraction.
  • The HPS is implicated in ventricular arrhythmias like tachycardia and fibrillation.
  • Structural and functional characteristics of the HPS are less understood compared to the myocardium.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the structure and function of the His-Purkinje System.
  • To review recent advances in computational modeling of the HPS at single-cell and organ levels.
  • To highlight interspecies distinctions in HPS structure and function.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of structural and functional properties of the HPS.
  • Analysis of existing computational models of the His-Purkinje System.
  • Comparison of HPS characteristics across different species.

Main Results:

  • The HPS exhibits unique cellular and electrophysiological properties distinct from the myocardium.
  • Significant differences exist in ion channels, calcium handling, and gap junctions within the HPS.
  • Current computational models often omit or inadequately represent the HPS.

Conclusions:

  • Further research is needed to fully characterize the His-Purkinje System's structure and function.
  • Advanced computational models are essential for understanding the HPS's role in cardiac electrophysiology and disease.
  • Understanding interspecies differences is critical for accurate modeling and clinical translation.

Keywords:
Computer modelingElectrophysiologyHis-Purkinje systemPurkinje fiber

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