The tachycardia-induced dog model of atrial fibrillation. clinical relevance and comparison with other models.

In the past, investigators have relied extensively on acute in vivo models of atrial fibrillation (AF), in which AF was induced either pharmacologicly or by vagal stimulation. More recently, there is a need and desire for more clinically relevant models that can only be achieved with the use of chronically instrumented animals. One of these models is the atrial tachycardia-induced AF dog model, which is the main focus of this review. The model produces a persistent AF in 80% of animals paced at 400 beats/min for 6 weeks. Atrial tachycardia also induces various pathophysiologic and ultrastructural changes that often resemble electrical remodeling of atria in patients that have a high susceptibility to AF. This model can also be used to evaluate drug efficacy with respect to attenuation of AF duration or conversion of AF to sinus rhythm. The model may therefore be used to provide further insights into the discovery of new therapeutic approaches to modifying this atrial arrhythmic disorder in man.