Ephaptic Coupling as a Resolution to the Paradox of Action Potential Wave Speed and Discordant Alternans Spatial Scales in the Heart

Niels F. Otani, Eileen Figueroa, James Garrison, Michelle Hewson, Laura Muñoz, Flavio H. Fenton, Alain Karma, and Seth H. Weinberg
Phys. Rev. Lett. 130, 218401 – Published 23 May 2023

Abstract

Previous computer simulations have suggested that existing models of action potential wave propagation in the heart are not consistent with observed wave propagation behavior. Specifically, computer models cannot simultaneously reproduce the rapid wave speeds and small spatial scales of discordant alternans patterns measured experimentally in the same simulation. The discrepancy is important, because discordant alternans can be a key precursor to the development of abnormal and dangerous rapid rhythms in the heart. In this Letter, we show that this paradox can be resolved by allowing so-called ephaptic coupling to play a primary role in wave front propagation in place of conventional gap-junction coupling. With this modification, physiological wave speeds and small discordant alternans spatial scales both occur with gap-junction resistance values that are more in line with those observed in experiments. Our theory thus also provides support to the hypothesis that ephaptic coupling plays an important role in normal wave propagation.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 19 October 2022
  • Accepted 7 March 2023

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.130.218401

© 2023 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Physics of Living SystemsNonlinear Dynamics

Authors & Affiliations

Niels F. Otani1,*, Eileen Figueroa1, James Garrison2, Michelle Hewson3, Laura Muñoz1, Flavio H. Fenton4, Alain Karma5, and Seth H. Weinberg6

  • 1Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
  • 2Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, Virginia 23943, USA
  • 3Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, North Carolina 28723, USA
  • 4Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
  • 5Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
  • 6The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA

  • *nfosma@rit.edu

See Also

Role of ephaptic coupling in discordant alternans domain sizes and action potential propagation in the heart

Niels F. Otani, Eileen Figueroa, James Garrison, Michelle Hewson, Laura Muñoz, Flavio H. Fenton, Alain Karma, and Seth H. Weinberg
Phys. Rev. E 107, 054407 (2023)

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 130, Iss. 21 — 26 May 2023

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
CHORUS

Article part of CHORUS

Accepted manuscript will be available starting 22 May 2024.
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Letters

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×