Modeling the Role of Gap Junction Transport Characteristics in the Action Potential Propagation

Abstract

We generalize the Cable Model to describe the transport characteristics of the gap junctions coupling adjacent cells in the heart muscle. Our model takes into account recent experimental information about the time dependence of the junctional current and modifies the connections between cells. It can be used with whatever excitable model is used to represent the cell. We show that by modulating the gap junction transport characteristics, it is possible to either suppress or produce meandering of spiral waves, a state associated with cardiac arrhythmia.