The training-induced changes on automatism, conduction and myocardial refractoriness are not mediated by parasympathetic postganglionic neurons activity

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2012 Jun;112(6):2185-93. doi: 10.1007/s00421-011-2189-4. Epub 2011 Oct 4.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to test the role that parasympathetic postganglionic neurons could play on the adaptive electrophysiological changes produced by physical training on intrinsic myocardial automatism, conduction and refractoriness. Trained rabbits were submitted to a physical training protocol on treadmill during 6 weeks. The electrophysiological study was performed in an isolated heart preparation. The investigated myocardial properties were: (a) sinus automatism, (b) atrioventricular and ventriculoatrial conduction, (c) atrial, conduction system and ventricular refractoriness. The parameters to study the refractoriness were obtained by means of extrastimulus test at four different pacing cycle lengths (10% shorter than spontaneous sinus cycle length, 250, 200 and 150 ms) and (d) mean dominant frequency (DF) of the induced ventricular fibrillation (VF), using a spectral method. The electrophysiological protocol was performed before and during continuous atropine administration (1 μM), in order to block cholinergic receptors. Cholinergic receptor blockade did not modify either the increase in sinus cycle length, atrioventricular conduction and refractoriness (left ventricular and atrioventricular conduction system functional refractory periods) or the decrease of DF of VF. These findings reveal that the myocardial electrophysiological modifications produced by physical training are not mediated by intrinsic cardiac parasympathetic activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Atrial Function / physiology
  • Atrioventricular Block
  • Automatism*
  • Autonomic Pathways / physiology
  • Cholinergic Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Heart / physiology*
  • Heart Conduction System / physiology
  • Male
  • Myocardium / enzymology
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Parasympathetic Fibers, Postganglionic / physiology*
  • Parasympathetic Nervous System / physiology*
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology*
  • Rabbits
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / metabolism
  • Refractory Period, Electrophysiological / physiology*
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / physiopathology
  • Ventricular Function / physiology

Substances

  • Cholinergic Antagonists
  • Receptors, Cholinergic