Inflammation in atrial fibrillation

The development of cardiac fibrosis and a higher susceptibility of atrial fibrillation (AF) have been shown in an animal model of long-term hypertension. However, the causal relationship between hypertension, fibrosis and AF remains unclear. Using Angiotensin II, we have established a long-term hypertension model in sheep in order to elucidate structural and electrophysiological changes as a prerequisite for AF. Since the intrinsic cardiac nervous system (ICANS) is known affect AF and other arrhythmias and might present a potential target for catheter-based interventions, we additionally characterise the role of the ICANS in arrhythmias using our sheep model.