Renal sympathetic denervation suppresses atrial fibrillation induced by acute atrial ischemia/infarction through inhibition of cardiac sympathetic activity. (15th January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhou, Qina; Zhou, Xianhui; TuEr-Hong, ZuKe-la; Wang, Hongli; Yin, Tingting; Li, Yaodong; Zhang, Ling; Lu, Yanmei; Xing, Qiang; Zhang, Jianghua; Yang, Yining; Tang, Baopeng
• Is Part Of: International journal of cardiology. Volume 203(2016)
• Page Start: 187
• Page End: 195
• Publication Date: 2016-01-15
• Subjects: Renal sympathetic denervation -- Atrial fibrillation -- Sympathetic activity -- Ischemia -- Infarction; Cardiology -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.12
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2015.10.120
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-5273

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: This study aims to explore the effects of renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) on atrial fibrillation (AF) inducibility and sympathetic activity induced by acute atrial ischemia/infarction. Methods: Acute ischemia/infarction was induced in 12 beagle dogs by ligating coronary arteries that supply the atria. Six dogs in the sham-RSD group did not undergo RSD, and six dogs without coronary artery ligation served as controls. AF induction rate, sympathetic discharge, catecholamine concentration and densities of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive nerves were measured. Results: Acute atrial ischemia/infarction resulted in a significant increase of AF induction rate, which was decreased by RSD compared to controls ( P < 0.05). The root-mean-square peak value, peak area and number of sympathetic discharges were significantly augmented by atrial ischemia relative to the baseline and control ( P < 0.05). The number of sympathetic discharges was significantly reduced in the RSD group, compared to the control and sham-RSD groups ( P < 0.05). Norepinephrine and epinephrine concentrations in the atria, ventricle and kidney were elevated by atrial ischemia/infarction, but were reduced by RSD ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: Sympathetic hyperactivity was associated with pacing-induced AF after acute atrial ischemia/infarction. RSD has the potential to reduce the incidence of new-onset AF after acute atrial ischemia/infarction. The inhibition of cardiac sympathetic activity by RSD may be one of the major underlying mechanisms for the marked reduction of AF inducibility.