OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nerve remodeling induced by 48 hours right atrial pacing in a canine model. METHODS: Rapid right atrial pacing (600 beats/min) was performed in 6 mongrel dogs of either sex for 48 hours to induce sustained atrial fibrillation (AF). Six dogs without pacing served as controls. Cardiac nerves were immunocytochemically stained using anti-growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43) and anti-choline acetyltransferase (CHAT) antibodies to compare nerve sprouting and pneumogastric nerve remodeling between the 2 groups. RESULTS: In dogs with AF, the GAP43-positive and CHAT-positive nerve densities in the left atrium, left auricular appendage, right atrium and right auricular appendage were significantly higher than in control animals (all P < 0.05). Moreover, nerve density was significantly higher in the right atrium than in the left atrium in dogs with AF. Microscopic examinations revealed an inhomogeneous distribution of cardiac nerves. CONCLUSION: Significant nerve sprouting and pneumogastric nerve remodeling were evidenced in the right and left atrium in a canine model of sustained AF induced by 48 hours right atrial pacing.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nerve remodeling induced by 48 hours right atrial pacing in a canine model. METHODS: Rapid right atrial pacing (600 beats/min) was performed in 6 mongrel dogs of either sex for 48 hours to induce sustained atrial fibrillation (AF). Six dogs without pacing served as controls. Cardiac nerves were immunocytochemically stained using anti-growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43) and anti-choline acetyltransferase (CHAT) antibodies to compare nerve sprouting and pneumogastric nerve remodeling between the 2 groups. RESULTS: In dogs with AF, the GAP43-positive and CHAT-positive nerve densities in the left atrium, left auricular appendage, right atrium and right auricular appendage were significantly higher than in control animals (all P < 0.05). Moreover, nerve density was significantly higher in the right atrium than in the left atrium in dogs with AF. Microscopic examinations revealed an inhomogeneous distribution of cardiac nerves. CONCLUSION: Significant nerve sprouting and pneumogastric nerve remodeling were evidenced in the right and left atrium in a canine model of sustained AF induced by 48 hours right atrial pacing.
Authors: Xin Lai; Liang Zhong; Hai-Xia Fu; Song Dang; Xin Wang; Ning Zhang; Gao-Ke Feng; Zi-Qiang Liu; Xi Wang; Long Wang Journal: Neural Regen Res Date: 2017-11 Impact factor: 5.135