Anisotropic Conduction Properties in Canine Atria Analyzed by High-Resolution Optical Mapping

Abstract

Background— Anisotropic conduction properties may provide a substrate for reentrant arrhythmias. We investigated the age-dependent changes of structural and functional anisotropy in isolated right atria from infant (1 to 2 months), young (6 to 12 months), and old (6 to 10 years) dogs. Methods and Results— The histology of the mapped atrial tissues (a small subepicardial area, 2.8×4.2 mm) was characterized by an age-dependent increase of myofiber width and fat cell infiltration between myofibers. Cx43 was distributed homogeneously over the entire cell surface in infant dogs, whereas it progressively polarized to the cell termini with increasing age. The activation sequences were analyzed by high-resolution optical mapping using a voltage-sensitive dye. Activation fronts from the pacing site proceeded more rapidly along fiber orientation (longitudinal) than across it (transverse). Infant dogs showed “elliptical” isochrones with a smooth transition between longitudinal and transverse propagation, whereas old...