Lead and carbon monoxide effects on human atrial action potential. In silico study

Exposure to air pollutants like lead (Pb++) and carbon monoxide (CO), promotes the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. Experimental studies have shown that Pb++ and CO block the L-type calcium channels, decreasing the calcium current (ICaL) and the action potential duration (APD), favoring the initiation of atrial arrhythmias. Our goal is to study the effects of Pb++ and CO at different concentrations, on ICaL and action potential using computational simulation. For this, we developed mathematical models of the air pollutants effects on the atrial L-type calcium channel and they were incorporated in a mathematical model of human atrial cell and in a 2D model of atrial tissue. Our results suggest that the Pb++ and CO block the ICaL current in a fraction that increases as the concentration increases, generating an APD shortening. The combined effect of both air pollutants generated an APD shortening and a stable rotor, which is considered as a pro-arrhythmic effect. These results are consistent with experimental studies. In silico studies may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms by which air pollutants have unhealthy effects on cardiac system. © 2017 IEEE Computer Society. All rights reserved.

• Fecha de publicación: 2017
• Institución: Universidad de Medellín
• Repositorio: Repositorio UDEM
• Idioma: eng
• OAI Identifier: oai:repository.udem.edu.co:11407/4914
• Acceso en línea: http://hdl.handle.net/11407/4914
• Palabra clave: Air pollution; Calcium; Calcium compounds; Carbon monoxide; Cardiology; Action potential durations; Action potentials; Atrial arrhythmia; Calcium current; Cardio-vascular disease; Combined effect; Computational simulation; L-type calcium channels; Lead compounds
• License: http://purl.org/coar/access_right/c_16ec