An S1 gradient of refractoriness is not essential for reentry induction by an S2 stimulus.
This communication reports a numerical simulation of reentry induction by successive stimulation (S1-S2) that does not require an S1 gradient of refractoriness. The S1 action potential is uniform in space, so before the S2 stimulus there is no refractory gradient. Nevertheless, a unipolar S2 stimulus initiates quatrefoil reentry. The result supports the growing realization that virtual electrodes, hyperpolarization, de-excitation, and break excitation may be important during reentry induction.
Roth
B J
BJ
Department of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA. roth@oakland.edu
D000818:Animals; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000502:physiology; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D012032:Refractory Period, Electrophysiological / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors
D015220:Calcium Channels