Discrete Stretch Eliminates Electrophysiological Dose-Dependent Effects of Nitric Oxide Donor SNAP in Rat Atrium.

Depolarization of cardiomyocytes triggered by stretch and activation of mechanically gated ion channels can lead to serious arrhythmias. However, stretch-induced signaling activating these channels remain little studied. This study tested the hypothesis on implication of NO in shaping the electrical abnormalities provoked by stretch of the right atrial myocardium in rat via a mechanism engaging a signaling cascade, where NO plays a significant role. This approach showed that in isolated right atrial preparation, NO donor SNAP induces the electrical abnormalities similar to those provoked by stretch, and the latter results from activation of NO synthase.