Arrhythmias & electrophysiology
An endogenous cholinergic system controls electrical conduction in the heart
Authors' conclusion
This study identifies an integrated cholinergic system inherent to the heart, rather than external nerves that can effectively control cardiac electrical conduction.
Study context
- Population
- Human and mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes; α4 or α7 nAChR knockout mice; human iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte monolayers; patients and mice with fatal ventricular arrhythmias
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Intact cholinergic system (acetylcholine (ACh), transmitter vesicles, transporters, metabolic enzymes, receptors) identified in human and mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes
- Key components significantly regulated conductivity of electrical excitation among ventricular cardiomyocytes
- Effect on conduction confirmed in α4 or α7 nAChR knockout mice and in human iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte monolayers
- ACh induced an inward current through nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs), reducing the minimum threshold current for an action potential and enhancing excitability
- Defects in this system associated with fatal ventricular arrhythmias in patients and mice
Original publication
An endogenous cholinergic system controls electrical conduction in the heart. Eur Heart J. Published 22 October 2024. doi:10.
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it