A model of conduction through the N region of the AV node.

A computer model of the AV node was developed in order to study mechanisms of conduction delay in the AV node. Three cells were used corresponding to the AN, N, and NH region. The basic mechanisms for delay were a high intercellular resistance and a delayed, time dependent recovery of excitability in the center cell. The action potentials for all cells were held constant. The model reproduces antegrade conduction characteristics of the AV node and the waveform of the center cell resemble the two component action potentials of N cells. The model suggests that the conduction properties of the AV node may be due to subthreshold phenomenon.