The transmembrane potential of a single quiescent cell isolated from rabbit ventricular muscle was recorded using a suction electrode in whole-cell recording mode. The cell was then driven with a periodic train of current pulses injected into the cell through the same recording electrode. When the interpulse interval or basic cycle length (BCL) was sufficiently long, 1:1 rhythm resulted, with each stimulus pulse producing an action potential. Gradual decrease in BCL invariably resulted in loss of 1:1 synchronization at some point. When the pulse amplitude was set to a fixed low level and BCL gradually decreased, N+1:N rhythms (N>/=2) reminiscent of clinically observed Wenckebach rhythms were seen. Further decrease in BCL then yielded a 2:1 rhythm. In contrast, when the pulse amplitude was set to a fixed high level, a period-doubled 2:2 rhythm resembling alternans rhythm was seen before a 2:1 rhythm occurred. With the pulse amplitude set to an intermediate level (i.e., to a level between those at which Wenckebach and alternans rhythms were seen), there was a direct transition from 1:1 to 2:1 rhythm as the BCL was decreased: Wenckebach and alternans rhythms were not seen. When at that point the BCL was increased, the transition back to 1:1 rhythm occurred at a longer BCL than that at which the {1:1-->2:1} transition had initially occurred, demonstrating hysteresis. With the BCL set to a value within the hysteresis range, injection of a single well-timed extrastimulus converted 1:1 rhythm into 2:1 rhythm or vice versa, providing incontrovertible evidence of bistability (the coexistence of two different periodic rhythms at a fixed set of stimulation parameters). Hysteresis between 1:1 and 2:1 rhythms was also seen when the stimulus amplitude, rather than the BCL, was changed. Simulations using numerical integration of an ionic model of a single ventricular cell formulated as a nonlinear system of differential equations provided results that were very similar to those found in the experiments. The steady-state action potential duration restitution curve, which is a plot of the duration of the action potential during 1:1 rhythm as a function of the recovery time or diastolic interval immediately preceding that action potential, was determined. Iteration of a finite-difference equation derived using the restitution curve predicted the direct {1:1<-->2:1} transition, as well as bistability, in both the experimental and modeling work. However, prediction of the action potential duration during 2:1 rhythm was not as accurate in the experiments as in the model. Finally, we point out a few implications of our findings for cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., Mobitz type II block, ischemic alternans). (c) 1999 American Institute of Physics.

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