Key result
Vagal nerve stimulation prolongs sinus cycle length up to ~38% in neonatal models.
Why the study?
The effects of tonic right and left vagal stimulation on electrophysiological properties of the immature myocardium and conduction system were not well characterized.
Does tonic vagal stimulation modulate electrophysiological properties in neonatal canines?
Population
11 neonatal canines pretreated with propranolol 1 mg/kg iv
Comparison
Tonic right and left vagal stimulation at 4-12 Hz vs control state
Design
Electrophysiological study with intracardiac electrograms during programmed electrical stimulation
Authors
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Should not yet inform neonatal arrhythmia care; extends vagal modulation data to neonates but leaves open human translation.
Does tonic vagal stimulation modulate electrophysiological properties in neonatal canines?
p-value: p=<0.01
Tonic vagal stimulation significantly modulates electrophysiological properties in the neonatal canine heart, including prolonging sinus cycle length and shortening atrial refractoriness, which can facilitate atrial tachyarrhythmias.
Pickoff et al. (1990) studied Electrophysiological properties of the immature myocardium (n=11). Tonic right and left vagal stimulation (RVS and LVS) vs. Control state was evaluated on Sinus cycle length (p=<0.01). Tonic right and left vagal stimulation at 8 Hz significantly prolonged sinus cycle length by 38% and 25%, respectively (P<0.01), and shortened right atrial refractory periods in neonatal canines.
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