Effect of nitric oxide modulation on the basic and rate-dependent electrophysiological properties of AV-node in the isolated heart of rabbit: The role of adrenergic and cholinergic receptors

Introduction: Recent studies showed that nitrergic system have specific modulatory effects on electrophysiological properties of atrioventricular (AV) node. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of nitric oxide (NO) on the electrophysiological properties of isolated rabbit AV node and to investigate the role of adrenergic and cholinergic receptors in the mechanism of its action. Methods: In our laboratory, an experimental model of isolated double-perfused AV-node of rabbits weighing 1.5-2 kg was used. Specific experimental protocols of recovery, Facilitation, Fatigue and Wenckbach were applied in both control and in the presence of the drug. A total number of 35 rabbits were divided randomly into the following groups (n=7): 1) L-Arg (NO donor) (250, 750 and 1000 μmol), 2) L- NAME, a NO synthesis inhibitor (25, 50 and 100 μmol), 3) L-Arg + L- NAME, 4) Nadolol (1 μmol), 5) Atropine (3 μmol). All data were shown as mean ± SE. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Our results revealed the depressant effect of L-Arg on the basic and rate-dependent electrophysiological properties of AV-node. L- NAME did not deteriorate the effects of L-Arg on the basic and rate-dependent properties, nevertheless, at high concentration (100 μmol) it had a direct inhibitory effect on the AV-node. Nadolol and atropine could prevent the effects of NO on the basic nodal characteristics and the fatigue phenomenon, respectively. Conclusion: Nitergic system can affect basic and rate-dependent electrophysiological properties of the AV-node through adrenergic and cholinergic receptors.