Effects of central sympathetic activation on repolarization-dispersion during short-term myocardial ischemia in anesthetized rats

Abstract Aims Sympathetic activation during myocardial ischemia enhances arrhythmogenesis, but the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated the central sympathetic effects on ventricular repolarization during the early-period post-coronary artery occlusion. Main methods We studied 12 Wistar rats (254 ± 2 g) for 30 min following left coronary artery ligation, with (n = 6) or without (n = 6) pretreatment with the central sympatholytic agent clonidine. Mapping of left and right ventricular epicardial electrograms was performed with a 32-electrode array. As an index of sympathetic activation, heart rate variability in the frequency domain was calculated. Heart rate and repolarization duration were measured with a custom-made recording and analysis software, followed by calculation of intra - and inter -ventricular dispersion of repolarization. Key findings Heart rate and heart rate variability indicated lower sympathetic activation in clonidine-treated rats during ischemia. Repolarization duration in the left ventricle prolonged after clonidine at baseline, independently of heart rate, but no differences were present 30 min post-ligation. Dispersion of repolarization in the right ventricle remained stable during ischemia, whereas it increased in the left ventricle, equally in both groups. A similar trend was observed for inter -ventricular dispersion, without differences between groups. Significance In addition to intra -ventricular repolarization-dispersion, anterior-wall myocardial ischemia may also increase inter -ventricular repolarization-dispersion. Progressive central sympathetic activation occurs during myocardial ischemia, but it does not affect intra - or inter -ventricular dispersion of ventricular repolarization during the early phase. Further research is warranted on the potential effects during subsequent time-periods.