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The mammalian sinoatrial node.

T Opthof1

  • 1Department of Physiology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy
|March 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The sinoatrial node (SAN), the heart's natural pacemaker, originates impulses from specialized cells. Its structure and function are influenced by factors like myofilament content and autonomic substances, affecting heart rhythm.

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Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The sinoatrial node (SAN) was discovered in 1906.
  • Early studies by Trautwein and Uchizono (1963) and Taylor et al. (1978) established the link between SAN ultrastructure and function.
  • The SAN is responsible for initiating electrical impulses that regulate heart rate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the relationship between the sinoatrial node's ultrastructure and its function.
  • To identify the origin of impulse generation within the SAN.
  • To understand factors influencing pacemaker activity and impulse conduction.

Main Methods:

  • Histological examination of SAN tissue to assess myofilament and collagen content.
  • Electrophysiological studies to observe impulse origin and conduction patterns.

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  • Perfusion studies with altered ionic composition and autonomic substances.

    • Main Results:

    • Impulse generation originates from cells with a low myofilament percentage.
    • Earliest discharge is localized to a primary pacemaker area within the SAN.
    • Collagen content is significant in several animal models (rabbit, guinea pig, cat, pig).
    • Normal SAN function was observed in cats with minimal myocyte volume (<5%).
    • Ionic changes and autonomic substances can alter pacemaker sites and activation patterns.

    Conclusions:

    • The SAN's function is intrinsically linked to the specific characteristics of its pacemaker cells.
    • The primary pacemaker area is crucial for initiating and directing cardiac electrical activity.
    • Environmental factors and autonomic modulation significantly impact SAN function and heart rhythm.