Effects of the Gap Junction Modifier Rotigaptide (ZP123) on Atrial Conduction and Vulnerability to Atrial Fibrillation

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Abstract
Background— Altered conduction is associated with increased atrial fibrillation (AF) vulnerability in canine models of chronic mitral regurgitation (MR) and heart failure (HF). Rotigaptide (ZP123) augments gap junction conductance, improving cell-to-cell coupling. We studied the effects of rotigaptide on atrial conduction and AF vulnerability in the canine MR and HF models. Methods and Results— Twenty-one dogs in 3 groups were studied: control (n=7), chronic MR induced by mitral avulsion (n=7), and HF induced by ventricular tachypacing (n=7). Epicardial mapping of both atria was performed with a 512-electrode array at baseline and at increasing rotigaptide doses (10, 50, and 200 nmol/L). Conduction velocity increased in both atria in control animals and MR animals (maximum percentage increase: 24±5%, 38±6% [P<0.001, <0.001] in the left atrium and 19±9%, 18±3% [P<0.001, <0.001] in the right atrium). Conduction velocity did not change in the left atrium of the HF group and increased minimally in the right a...

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