Simulations of optical mapping during electroporation.
Experiments using optical mapping suggest that electroporation occurs in cardiac tissue when the transmembrane potential, Vm, is observed to be significantly less than +/- 400 mV. Our hypothesis, which we test by numerical simulation, is that Vm is greater than +/- 400 mV at the tissue surface, but optical mapping underestimates Vm because it averages over depth. Results indicate a significant underestimation of Vm. Experimental studies indicate a depolarization of the resting transmembrane potential, Vrest, after a strong shock. In a homogeneous model, electroporation only occurs near the tissue surface. Just as Vm during the stimulus is underestimated due to averaging, we hypothesize that the depolarization of Vrest is also underestimated.
Janks
Deborah L
DL
Department of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA.
Roth
Bradley J
BJ