In Silico Simulation of Mouse Atrioventricular Conduction Including Sinus Node and Atrial Myocardium

Diego Gazzoni, Eugenio Ricci, Chiara Bartolucci, Stefano Severi
University of Bologna


Abstract

This work aims to investigate the mouse atrioventricular node conduction by using in silico simulations. Firstly, a 1D cable composed of sinus node, atrium and atrioventricular node cells is simulated to analyse the conduction in healthy and I_f block conditions. There are no appreciable atrioventricular conduction impairments, but a surprising increase in atrioventricular node conduction velocity is reported. Secondly, the focus is put on the atrioventricular node, increasing its resolution by simulating the fast and slow pathways. The fast pathway is hypothesised to be made of half atrial and half atrioventricular node cells, while the slow pathway is made only of nodal cells. From this model, it is possible to appreciate the capability of obtaining early His activation from the fast pathway, according to the state-of the-art knowledge about the mammalian atrioventricular node. Thirdly, an even more complex 2D setup is tested to simulate the mouse's Koch's triangle with the main atrioventricular node landmarks. With this model there aren't two insulated propagation pathways inside the atrioventricular node; however, a slight time delay between upper and lower His activation is found, showing an early activation of the upper part.