Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effect of experimentally induced atrial fibrillation on coronary circulation in dogs

  • Original Contributions
  • Published:
Basic Research in Cardiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

The influence of atrial fibrillation on coronary circulation was studied in 21 anesthetized open-chest dogs. Atrial fibrillation was induced either by local application of acetylcholine (10% in normal saline) on the left atrial appendage or by electric stimulation (2–7 volts, 2 ms, 50 Hz). When atrial fibrillation was induced (n=10), mean aortic pressure fell and heart rate rose significantly; coronary blood flow (CBF) remained unchanged (78±6 vs. 75±5 ml/min×10 g) while coronary vascular resistance (CVR) (1.16±0.05 vs. 0.87±0.07 [mHg×min×100 gl/ml [RU], p<0.0001) and sinus oxygen saturation (26±2 vs. 22±1%, p<0.05) decreased. Following the application of carbochromen (5 mg/kg in 3 min i.v.) resulting in maximal coronary dilatation, atrial fibrillation resulted in a reduction in CBF (311±48 vs. 205±30 ml/min×100 g, p<0.01) and coronary sinus oxygen saturation (65±6 vs. 42±6%, p<0.01), while CVR (0.27±0.03 vs. 0.37±0.04 RU, p<0.0001) was 38±8% (p<0.0005) higher during atrial fibrillation than at sinus rhythm.

When hearts were paced to a rate which was identical to the average heart rate at atrial fibrillation (n=11), CBF (92±9 vs. 125±14 ml/min×100 g, p<0.001) and sinus oxygen saturation (24±2 vs. 30±2%, p<0.0025) were higher and CVR (1.16±0.11 vs. 0.97±0.10 RU, p<0.0005) lower than during atrial fibrillation; during maximal coronary dilatation by carbochromen, pacing also resulted in a higher CBF (233±24 vs. 168±16 ml/min×100 g, p<0.0005) and sinus oxygen saturation (70±3 vs. 57±2%, p<0.0005), while CVR (0.35±0.02 vs. 0.46±0.02 RU, p<0.0005) was lower than during atrial fibrillation.

Thus atrial fibrillation results in a decrease in coronary vascular resistance but an increase in coronary oxygen extraction. When heart rate is controlled, the vasoconstrictor effect of atrial fibrillation becomes unmasked. Coronary vasoconstriction during atrial fibrillation appears to be greater during maximal coronary dilatation than during control.

Zusammenfassung

An 21 narkotisierten thorakotomierten Hunden wurde der Einfluß von Vorhofflimmern auf die Koronardurchblutung untersucht. Vorhofflimmern wurde entweder durch lokale Applikation einer 10%-Acetylcholinlösung auf das linke Herzohr oder durch elektrische Stimulation (2–7 Volt, 2 ms, 50 Hz) induziert. Unter Vorhofflimmern (n=10) kam es zu einem signifikanten Abfall des mittleren Aortendruckes und Anstieg der Herzfrequenz; die Koronardurchblutung änderte sich nicht (78±6 gegenüber 75±5 ml/min×100 g), dagegen nahmen der Koronargefäßwiderstand von 1,16±0.05 auf 0,87±0.07 (mmHg×min×100 g)/ml (RU), p<0,0001 und die koronarvenöse Sauerstoffsättigung von 26±2% auf 22±1%, p<0,05, ab. Nach maximaler Koronardilatation durch Carbochromen (5mg/kg in 3 min i.v.) waren Koronardurchblutung (311±48 gegenüber 205±30 ml/min×100 g, p<0,01) und koronarvenöse Sauerstoffsättigung (65±6 gegenüber 42±6%, p<0,01) bei Vorhofflimmern deutlich niedriger, der Koronargefäßwiderstand (0,27±0,03 gegenüber 0,37±0,04 RU, p<0,0001) hingegen um 38±8% (p<0,0005) größer als bei Sinusrhythmus. Während der ebenfalls durch elektrische Vorhofstimulation ausgelösten supraventrikulären Tachykardie mit identischer Herzfrequenz wie bei Vorhofflimmern (n=11) waren Koronardurchblutung (92±9 gegenüber 125±14 ml/min×100 g, p<0,001) und koronarvenöse Sauerstoffsättigung (24±2 gegenüber 30±2%, p<0,0025) größer, der Koronargefäßwiderstand (1,16±0,11 gegenüber 0,97±0,10 RU, p<0,0005) niedriger als bei Vorhofflimmern; auch bei maximaler Koronardilatation waren Koronardurchblutung (168±16 gegenüber 233±24 ml/min×100 g, p<0,0005) und koronarvenöse Sauerstoffsättigung (57±2 gegenüber 70±3%, p<0,0005) größer, der Koronargefäßwiderstand (0,46±0,02 gegenüber 0,35±0,02 RU, p±0,0005) niedriger als bei Vorhofflimmern.

Die Ergebnisse zeigen, daß bei Vorhofflimmern zwar der Koronargefäßwiderstand abnimmt, dennoch die Sauerstoffausschöpfung ansteigt. Dieser vasokonstriktorische Effekt des Vorhofflimmerns wird dann sichtbar, wenn die Herzfrequenz kontrolliert wird. Das vasokonstriktorische Effekt ist unter maximaler Koronardilatation größer als unter Ausgangsbedingungen.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Abildskov, J. A., F. K. Millar, M. J. Burgess: Atrial fibrillation. Amer. J. Cardiol.28, 263 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  2. Adams, Z. S., A. Alella, P. Di Lavore, D. Gatullo, G. Losano, G. Vacca: The coronary flow during atrial flutter-fibrillation. G. Ital. Cardiol.9, 676 (1979).

    Google Scholar 

  3. Benchimol, A., H. M. Lowe, P. R. Akve: Cardiovascular response to exercise during atrial fibrillation and after conversion to sinus rhythm. Amer. J. Cardiol.16, 31 (1965).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Blinks, J. R., J. Koch-Weser: Analysis of the effects of changes in rate and rhythm upon myocardial contractility. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther.134, 373 (1961).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Bretschneider, H. J.: Aktuelle Probleme der Koronardurchblutung und des Myokardstoffwechsels: Regensburg, Jb. ärztl. Fortbild.15, 1 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  6. Broch, O. J., O. Müller: Hemodynamic studies during auricular fibrillation and after restoration of sinus rhythm. Brit. Heart J.19, 222 (1957).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Corday, E., H. Gold, L. B. De Vera, J. H. Williams, J. Fields: Effect of the cardiac arrhythmias on the coronary circulation. Annals of Internal Medicine50, 535 (1959).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Duff, F., E. Berglund, H. Borst: The effect of heart rate on ventricular function and coronary circulation in dogs. Amer. J. Physiol.183, 611 (1955).

    Google Scholar 

  9. Edmands, R. E., K. Greenspan, C. Fisch: The role of inotropic variation in ventricular function during atrial fibrillation. J. Clin. Invest.49, 73 (1970).

    Google Scholar 

  10. Feigl, E. O.: Control of myocardial oxygen tension by sympathetic coronary vasoconstriction in the dog. Circulat. Res.37, 88 (1975).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Formann, R., E. S. Kirk, J. M. Downey, E. H. Sonnenblick: Nitroglycerin and heterogeneity of myocardial blood flow. Reduced subendocardial blood flow and ventricular contractile force. J. Clin. Invest.52, 905 (1973).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Gilbert, R., R. H. Eich, H. Smulyan, J. Keighley, J. H. Auchincloss, Jr.: Effect on circulation of conversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm. Circulation27, 1079 (1963).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Goble, A. J., G. Sloman, J. S. Robinson: Mortality reduction in a coronary care unit. Brit. Med.J. 1966/I, 1005.

  14. Graettinger, J. S., R. A. Carleton, J. J. Muenster: Circulatory consequences of changes in cardiac rhythm produced in patients by transthoracic direct current shock. J. Clin. Invest.43, 2290 (1964).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Hecht, H. H., W. J. Osher, A. J. Samuels: Cardiovascular adjustments in subjects with organic heart disease before and after conversion of atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm. J. Clin. Invest.30, 647 (1961).

    Google Scholar 

  16. Hiss, R. G., L. E. Lamb: Electrocardiographic findings in 122,043 individuals. Circulation25, 947 (1962).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Hunt, D., G. Sloman, C. Penington: Effects of atrial fibrillation on prognosis of acute myocardia infarction. Brit. Heart J.40, 303 (1978).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Jevith, D. E., R. Balcon, E. B. Raltery, S. Cram: Incidence and management of supraventricular arrhythmias after acute myocardial infarction. Lancet1967/II, 734.

  19. Johannsen, U. J., L. M. Allyn, L. M. Melvin: Responsiveness to cardiac sympathetic nerve stimulation during maximal coronary dilatation produced by adenosine. Circulat. Res.50, 510 (1982).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Julian, D. G., P. A. Valentine, G. G. Miller: Disturbances of rate, rhythm and conduction in acute myocardial infarction. Amer. J. Med.37, 915 (1964).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Killip, T., R. A. Baer: Hemodynamic effects after reversion from atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm by precardial shock. J. Clin. Invest.45, 658 (1966).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Killip, T., J. H. Grault: Mode of onset of atrial fibrillation. Amer. Heart. J.70, 172 (1965).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Kory, R. C., G. R. Meneely: Cardiac output in auricular fibrillation with observations on the effects of conversation to normal sinus rhythm. J. Clin. Invest.30, 653 (1961).

    Google Scholar 

  24. Lendrum, B., H. Feinberg, E. Boyd, et al.: Rhythm effects on contractility of the beating isovolumic left ventricle. Amer. J. Physiol.199, 1115 (1960).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Lewis, T.: Fibrillation of the auricles: its effects upon the circulation. J. Exp. Med.16, 395 (1912).

    Google Scholar 

  26. Lewis, F. B., J. D. Coffmann, D. E. Gregg: Effect of heart rate and intracoronary flow and resistance. Circulat. Res.9, 89 (1961).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Linden, R. J., J. H. Mitchell: Relation between left ventricular diastolic pressure and myocardial segment length and observations on the contribution of atrial systole. Circulat. Res.8, 1092 (1960).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Martin, R. H., L. A. Cobb: Observation on the effect of atrial systole in man. J. Lab. Clin. Med.68, 224 (1966).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Martin, R. H., S. T. Lim, R. L. van Citters: Atrial fibrillation in the intact unanesthetized dog: hemodynamic effects during rest, exercise, and beta-adrenergic blockade. J. Clin. Invest.46, 205 (1967).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Millar, K., R. R. Eich, M. J. Burgess, et al.: Entrancement of cardiac output by irregular rhythms (Abstr.). Circulation 40, Suppl. 3, 146 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  31. Mitchell, J. H., W. Shapiro: Atrial function and the hemodynamic consequences of atrial fibrillation in man. Amer. J. Cardiol.23, 556 (1964).

    Google Scholar 

  32. Mohrmann, D. E., E. O. Feigl: Competition between sympathetic vasoconstriction and metabolic vasodilation in the canine coronary circulation. Circulat. Res.46, 79 (1978).

    Google Scholar 

  33. Morris, Jr. J. J., M. Entman, W. C. North, Y. Kong, H. MacIntosh: The changes in cardiac output with reversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm. Circulation31, 670 (1965).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Mudge, Jr. G. H., S. Goldberg, S. Gunther, T. Mann, W. Grossman: Comparison of metabolic and vasoconstrictor stimuli on coronary vascular resistance in man. Circulation59, 544 (1979).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Murray, P. A., S. F. Vatner: Alpha-adrenoreceptor attenuation of the coronary vascular response to severe exercise in the conscious dog. Circulat. Res.45, 654 (1979).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Nakano, J.: Effects of atrial and ventricular tachycardias on the cardiovascular dynamics. Amer. J. Physiol.206, 547 (1964).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Olsson, R. A.: Myocardial reactive hyperemia. Circulat. Res.37, 263 (1975).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Raff, W. K., F. Kosche, W. Lochner: Extravascular coronary resistance and its relation to micro-circulation. Amer. J. Cardiol.29, 598 (1972).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Reid, J. V., C. J. Baghat: Effect on coronary flow atrial contraction. S. Afr. J. med. Sci.40 (4), 117 (1975).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Sabiston, D. C., D. E. Gregg: Effect of cardiac contraction on coronary blood flow. Circulation15, 14 (1957).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Saito, D., S. Haraoka, M. Ueda, T. Fujimoto, H. Yoshida, Y. Ogino: Effect of atrial fibrillation on coronary circulation and blood flow distribution across the left ventricular wall in anesthetized open-chest dogs. Jap. Circulat. J.42, 417 (1978).

    Google Scholar 

  42. Schütz, E.: Über den Einfluß des intraventrikulären systolischen Druckes auf die Koronardurchblutung. Z. Kreislaufforsch.45, 708 (1956).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Skinner, N., J. J. Mitchell, A. G. Wallace, S. J. Sarnoff: Hemodynamic consequences of atrial fibrillation at constant ventricular rates. Amer. J. Med.36, 342 (1964).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Stock, E., A. Goble, G. Slomen: Assessment of arrhythmias in myocardial infarction. Brit. Med. J.1967/II, 719.

  45. Tauchert, M., B. E. Strauer, H. W. Heiss, K. Kochsiek: On the influence of atrial fibrillation on coronary hemodynamics in patients with mitral stenosis. Europ. J. Clin. Invest.1, 393 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  46. Wegria, R., C. W. Frank, G. A. Misrahy, R. S. Sioussat, L. S. Sommer, G. H. McCormack: Effect of auricular fibrillation on cardiac output, coronary blood flow and mean arterial blood pressure. J. Clin. Invest.29, 851 (1956).

    Google Scholar 

  47. Wegria, R., R. P. Keating, H. P. Ward, F. Dreyfuss, C. W. Frank, M. R. Blumenthal: Effect of auricular fibrillation on coronaly blood flow. Amer. J. Physiol.160, 177 (1950).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Wiggers, C. J.: The interplay of vascular resistance and myocardial compression in regulating coronary flow. Circulat. Res.2, 271 (1954).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. White, C. W., R. E. Kerber, H. R. Weiss, M. L. Marcus: The effects of atrial fibrillation on atrial pressure-volume and flow relationships. Circulat. Res.51, 205 (1982).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Author notes

  1. J. Wichmann

    Present address: Medizinische Klinik der Universität Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 8700, Würzburg

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medizinische Klinik der Universität Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 8700, Würzburg

    G. Ertl, G. Rudolph & K. Kochsiek

Authors
  1. J. Wichmann
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. G. Ertl
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. G. Rudolph
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. K. Kochsiek
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

The paper was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Wi 596/2)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Wichmann, J., Ertl, G., Rudolph, G. et al. Effect of experimentally induced atrial fibrillation on coronary circulation in dogs. Basic Res Cardiol 78, 473–491 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01906459

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01906459

Key words

Search

Navigation