Atrioventricular (AV) nodal conduction and the pathways of propagation through the AV node have remained enigmatic. Histological and immunohistochemical studies have revealed distinct cellular regions within the AV node with varying distribution of specific ion channels. However, to date, there is little information concerning the pattern of localization of the gap junction proteins that mediate intercellular communication. The current immunohistochemical/confocal studies show a non-uniform distribution of three connexin isoforms (Cx 40, Cx 43 and Cx 45) within these cellular regions of the rat AV node with a marked transition from Cx 43 to Cx 40 at the compact node region. In addition, a high resolution mapping system coupled with extracellular recording electrodes was implemented during this study and has allowed for a macroscopic overview of the rabbit AV node. This approach revealed a marked delay in conduction at the area of the compact node. This information in association with the immunohistochemical studies may help to provide further insight into the mechanisms underlying the AV nodal delay.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:QMM.78393 |
| Date | January 2002 |
| Creators | Kelly, Dermot James |
| Contributors | Shrier, Alvin (advisor) |
| Publisher | McGill University |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Coverage | Master of Science (Department of Physiology.) |
| Rights | All items in eScholarship@McGill are protected by copyright with all rights reserved unless otherwise indicated. |
| Relation | alephsysno: 001976405, proquestno: AAIMQ88228, Theses scanned by UMI/ProQuest. |
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