This book attempts to present new aspects on electrophysiologi cal mechanisms and catecholaminergic contributions in the set ting of acute and chronic myocardial ischemia. Special emphasis is placed on the full scope from basic molecular and cellular mechanisms to experimental models of close clinical proximity. A number of internationally distinguished scientists present their latest findings in this significant research area within the peri meter of cardiovascular disease which continues to lead mortality statistics in most industrialized countries. Contents of this book cover in addition to other subjects re lease and uptake of catecholamines in ischemia, regulation of re ceptors, adrenergic contribution to ventricular arrhythmias and mechanisms of ischemic malignant arrhythmias as well as un derlying changes in membrane currents and the electrophysiolog ical response to beta-adrenergic blocking drugs. In addition to original contributions, a number of editorial chapters are in cluded for conclusions and future development in these areas. The main purpose of this book is to provide further inside in two traditionally separated research topics that are gravitating to more collaborative work and inspire more joint research ventures in the future. It provides a comprehensive view on clinically sig nificant problems where basic research may stimulate further studies in man. Therefore this book may prove to be valuable to both cardiologists and interested clinicians as well as basic scien tists.

I Release of Catecholamines in Myocardial Ischemia

Intracellular Requirements for Exocytotic Noradrenaline Release
Neuropeptide Y and Sympathetic Transmission
Influence of Myocardial Ischemia on Exocytotic Noradrenaline Release
On the Mechanism of Nonexocytotic Release of Noradrenaline from Noradrenergic Neurons
The Dynamics of Adrenergic Nerve Endings
Increase of Cardiac and Systemic Catecholamines in Myocardial Ischemia
II Adrenergic Receptors in Myocardial Ischemia
Alpha1- and Beta-Adrenergic Receptors in Myocardial Ischemia and Injury
Uncoupling of the ?-Adrenergic Receptor by Myocardial Ischemia
Sensitization of the Adrenergic System in Early Myocardial Ischemia: Independent Regulation of ?-Adrenergic Receptors and Adenylate Cyclase
Mechanisms of Altered Adrenergic Responsiveness Contributing to Arrhythmogenesis during Myocardial Ischemia
Reflections of the Role of Adrenergic Mechanisms in Ventricular Arrhythmias
III Ionic Mechanisms in Myocardial Ischemia
Ionic Imbalance in Acute Myocardial Ischemia
State-Dependent Block of Cardiac Na Currents by Ca Channel Antagonists
Calcium Channels in the Heart
The Cardiac K Current System
Intracellular pH of Cardiac Cells: Hormonal Regulation and Role in Ischemia
The Sympathetic Nervous System, Catecholamines and Ischemia-Induced Arrhythmias: Dependence upon Serum Potassium Concentration
Towards a New Dimension of Cardiac Cellular Electrophysiology - General Aspects
IV Mechanisms of Arrhythmias
Electrophysiologic Mechanisms for the Generation of Arrhythmias with Adrenergic Stimulation
Catecholamine-Dependent Cardiac Arrhythmias: Mechanisms and Implications
Mechanisms of Reentrant Arrhythmias
Reentrant Ventricular Rhythms in the Canine Postinfarction Heart
The Time Course of Occurrence of Ventricular Arrhythmias after Experimental Myocardial Ischemia
V Relation of Catecholamines and Ventricular Arrhythmias in Myocardial Ischemia
Experimental Simulation of Sudden Cardiac Death in Humans: Electrophysiological Mechanisms and Role of Adrenergic Influences
Ischaemia-Induced Noradrenaline Release Mediates Ventricular Arrhythmias
Autonomic Innervation and Arrhythmias in Canine Myocardial Infarction
Sympathetic Denervation, Supersensitivity, and Arrhythmogenesis after Myocardial Infarction
Adrenergic System and Ventricular Arrhythmias in Acute Myocardial Ischemia: Multiple Feedback Mechanisms
Why is Increased Adrenergic Activity Arrhythmogenic?.