Atrial Infarction-Induced Spontaneous Focal Discharges and Atrial Fibrillation in Sheep: Role of Dantrolene-Sensitive Aberrant Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release.

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms underlying spontaneous atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with atrial ischemia/infarction are incompletely elucidated. Here, we investigate the mechanisms underlying spontaneous AF in an ovine model of left atrial myocardial infarction (LAMI).

METHODS AND RESULTS: LAMI was created by ligating the atrial branch of the left anterior descending coronary artery. ECG loop recorders were implanted to monitor AF episodes. In 7 sheep, dantrolene-a ryanodine receptor blocker-was administered in vivo during the 8-day observation period (LAMI-D, 2.5 mg/kg, IV, BID). LAMI animals experienced numerous spontaneous AF episodes during the 8-day monitoring period that were suppressed by dantrolene (LAMI, 26.1±5.1; sham, 4.3±1.1; LAMI-D, 2.8±0.8; mean±SEM episodes per sheep, P <0.01). Optical mapping showed spontaneous focal discharges (SFDs) originating from the ischemic/normal-zone border. SFDs were calcium driven, rate dependent, and enhanced by isoproterenol (0.03 µmol/L, from 210±87 to 3816±1450, SFDs per sheep) but suppressed by dantrolene (to 55.8±32.8, SFDs per sheep, mean±SEM). SFDs initiated AF-maintaining reentrant rotors anchored by marked conduction delays at the ischemic/normal-zone border. NOS1 (NO synthase-1) protein expression decreased in ischemic zone myocytes, whereas NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, reduced form) oxidase and xanthine oxidase enzyme activities and reactive oxygen species (DCF [6-carboxy-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate]-fluorescence) increased. CaM (calmodulin) aberrantly increased [3 H]ryanodine binding to cardiac RyR2 (ryanodine receptors) in the ischemic zone. Dantrolene restored the physiological binding of CaM to RyR2.

CONCLUSIONS: Atrial ischemia causes spontaneous AF episodes in sheep, caused by SFDs that initiate reentry. Nitroso-redox imbalance in the ischemic zone is associated with intense reactive oxygen species production and altered RyR2 responses to CaM. Dantrolene administration normalizes the CaM response, prevents LAMI-related SFDs, and AF initiation. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying ischemia-related atrial arrhythmias.