Effect of botulinum toxin on inducibility and maintenance of atrial fibrillation in ovine myocardial tissue

Abstract

The subacute BTX effect reduced the vulnerability of atrial tissue to AF induction and reduced the vagal influence on atrial ERP shortening compared to baseline levels. Direct BTX injection did not cause myocardial dysfunction or histologic adverse effects.

Effect of botulinum toxin on inducibility and maintenance of atrial fibrillation in ovine myocardial tissue: Response to letter to the editor

“…We thank the authors for their interest in our manuscript, “Effect of botulinum toxin on inducibility and maintenance of atrial fibrillation in ovine myocardial tissue.”…”

Botulinum Toxin-Chitosan Nanoparticles Prevent Arrhythmia in Experimental Rat Models

“…Recently, Lo et al [ 6 ] demonstrated that suppression of the four major atrial ganglionated plexi by BoNT may break the vicious cycle of “AF begets AF” by inhibiting autonomic remodeling, and possibly preventing subsequent progression of AF to more persistent forms. In addition, Nazeri et al [ 7 ] found that after one week following injection of BoNT into the atrial fat pads of sheep, the vulnerability of atrial tissue to AF induction and the vagal influence on the atrial effective refractory period were reduced compared to baseline levels.…”

“…However, the assessment of antiarrhythmic properties of BoNT has only been studied using experimental models of vagal stimulation [ 3 , 4 , 7 ] and rapid atrial pacing [ 6 ]. Indeed, although the effect of BoNT on atrial arrhythmias has attracted much attention, the effects of BoNT on ventricular arrhythmias remain unknown.…”

“…The BoNT block of neuromuscular transmission occurs after a lapse of time [ 7 , 10 , 11 ] and the blocking effect is temporary, with recovery of neuromuscular transmission within one to six months in skeletal muscles [ 12 ] and within three weeks in the heart [ 4 ]. Therefore, new formulations that may accelerate the effect of BoNT and increase its duration time are highly desirable.…”

Letter by Pearman et al. regarding article “Effect of botulinum toxin on inducibility and maintenance of atrial fibrillation in ovine myocardial tissue”

“…We read with interest the article by Nazeri et al . describing their experience with botulinum toxin on the sheep heart.…”