The candidate wishes to pursue an academic and research career in cardiac electrophysiology, with a primary focus on the pathophysiology of atrial arrhythmias in animal models. He has dedicated one of the last two years of his fellowship (in clinical cardiac electrophysiology) to the animal lab, and has already done considerable work in understanding the electrophysiology of the pulmonary veins and their role in the genesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of AF is crucial to the development of effective preventive and therapeutic strategies for this arrhythmia. Recent observations suggest that in a large number of patients, AF may be originating from focal """"""""triggers"""""""" in the pulmonary veins. The electrophysiologic properties of these focal sources are poorly defined, however. With the aid of high-resolution optical mapping, the candidate has recently described heterogeneous conduction and repolarization within the pulmonary veins, and has demonstrated micro re-entry in this region. This project aims to further characterize the electrophysiologic properties of canine pulmonary veins, in response to acute or chronic atrial stretch. It is expected that this mentored award will allow the candidate to develop the analytical as well as the technical and methodological skills he requires to develop into an independent physician-scientist. The candidate's mentors have a long track record of pathbreaking investigation in basic and clinical arrhythmia research; in addition, the animal research facilities at the Krannert Institute are amongst the finest in the world.
Specific Aim 1 will attempt to study the effects of acute balloon stretch/dilatation on the electrophysiology of normal, canine pulmonary veins. Both high-density endocardial catheter mapping (in the intact dog) and high-resolution optical mapping (in a Langendorff preparation) will be utilized to study the pulmonary veins.
In Specific Aim 2, we will examine electrophysiologic characteristics of the pulmonary vein in the setting of chronic atrial dilatation. A canine model of chronic mitral regurgitation will be used for this purpose. Optical mapping will be performed in a Landendorff preparation to determine the electrophysiology in the intact vein. Histologic and gap junction studies will be also performed as part of this aim. In addition, we will study the electrophysiology of isolated pulmonary vein cardiomyocytes.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Clinical Investigator Award (CIA) (K08)
Project #
5K08HL074192-05
Application #
7270461
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZHL1-CSR-M (M3))
Program Officer
Commarato, Michael
Project Start
2003-09-01
Project End
2008-08-31
Budget Start
2007-09-01
Budget End
2008-08-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2007
Total Cost
$126,640
Indirect Cost
Name
Northwestern University at Chicago
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
005436803
City
Chicago
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60611
Arora, Rishi (2012) Recent insights into the role of the autonomic nervous system in the creation of substrate for atrial fibrillation: implications for therapies targeting the atrial autonomic nervous system. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 5:850-9
Ng, Jason; Villuendas, Roger; Cokic, Ivan et al. (2011) Autonomic remodeling in the left atrium and pulmonary veins in heart failure: creation of a dynamic substrate for atrial fibrillation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 4:388-96
Aistrup, Gary L; Villuendas, Roger; Ng, Jason et al. (2009) Targeted G-protein inhibition as a novel approach to decrease vagal atrial fibrillation by selective parasympathetic attenuation. Cardiovasc Res 83:481-92
Arora, Rishi; Ulphani, Joseph S; Villuendas, Roger et al. (2008) Neural substrate for atrial fibrillation: implications for targeted parasympathetic blockade in the posterior left atrium. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 294:H134-44
Ulphani, Joseph S; Arora, Rishi; Cain, Jack H et al. (2007) The ligament of Marshall as a parasympathetic conduit. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 293:H1629-35
Arora, Rishi; Ng, Jason; Ulphani, Joseph et al. (2007) Unique autonomic profile of the pulmonary veins and posterior left atrium. J Am Coll Cardiol 49:1340-8