Chaotic dynamics in cardiac aggregates induced by potassium channel block

Chaos. 2012 Sep;22(3):033140. doi: 10.1063/1.4748854.

Abstract

Chaotic rhythms in deterministic models can arise as a consequence of changes in model parameters. We carried out experimental studies in which we induced a variety of complex rhythms in aggregates of embryonic chick cardiac cells using E-4031 (1.0-2.5 μM), a drug that blocks the hERG potassium channel. Following the addition of the drug, the regular rhythm evolved to display a spectrum of complex dynamics: irregular rhythms, bursting oscillations, doublets, and accelerated rhythms. The interbeat intervals of the irregular rhythms can be described by one-dimensional return maps consistent with chaotic dynamics. A Hodgkin-Huxley-style cardiac ionic model captured the different types of complex dynamics following blockage of the hERG mediated potassium current.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Aggregation / drug effects
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Chick Embryo
  • Heart Ventricles / cytology*
  • Heart Ventricles / drug effects
  • Intracellular Space / physiology
  • Membrane Potentials / drug effects
  • Models, Cardiovascular
  • Nonlinear Dynamics*
  • Piperidines / pharmacology
  • Potassium Channel Blockers / pharmacology*
  • Potassium Channels / metabolism*
  • Pyridines / pharmacology
  • Ventricular Function / drug effects*

Substances

  • Piperidines
  • Potassium Channel Blockers
  • Potassium Channels
  • Pyridines
  • E 4031