A mathematical model for electrical stimulation of a monolayer of cardiac cells.
BACKGROUND
The goal of our study is to examine the effect of stimulating a two-dimensional sheet of myocardial cells. We assume that the stimulating electrode is located in a bath perfusing the tissue.


METHODS
An equation governing the transmembrane potential, based on the continuity equation and Ohm's law, is solved numerically using a finite difference technique.


RESULTS
The sheet is depolarized under the stimulating electrode and is hyperpolarized on each side of the electrode along the fiber axis.


CONCLUSIONS
The results are similar to those obtained previously by Sepulveda et al. (Biophys J, 55: 987-999, 1989) for stimulation of a two-dimensional sheet of tissue with no perfusing bath present.
Srinivasan
Ranjini
R
Department of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan 48309 USA. sriniv33@msu.edu
Roth
Bradley J
BJ
D000465:Algorithms; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004566:Electrodes; D007101:Immersion; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D032383:Myocytes, Cardiac / Q000502:physiology*; D010477:Perfusion; D012107:Research Design