Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kv11.1

Title: Chaotic dynamics in cardiac aggregates induced by potassium channel block.

Authors: Thomas Quail, Nevin McVicar, Martin Aguilar, Min-Young Kim, Alex Hodge, Leon Glass, Alvin Shrier

Journal, date & volume: Chaos, 2012 Sep , 22, 033140

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23020479

Abstract
Chaotic rhythms in deterministic models can arise as a consequence of changes in model parameters. We carried out experimental studies in which we induced a variety of complex rhythms in aggregates of embryonic chick cardiac cells using E-4031 (1.0-2.5 μM), a drug that blocks the hERG potassium channel. Following the addition of the drug, the regular rhythm evolved to display a spectrum of complex dynamics: irregular rhythms, bursting oscillations, doublets, and accelerated rhythms. The interbeat intervals of the irregular rhythms can be described by one-dimensional return maps consistent with chaotic dynamics. A Hodgkin-Huxley-style cardiac ionic model captured the different types of complex dynamics following blockage of the hERG mediated potassium current.