Monophasic Action Potentials

Over the last two decades monophasic action potential (MAP) recording has matured into a technique that provides a link between basic and clinical electrophysiology. International experts present exciting data on MAP recording techniques, the mechanism and interpretation of MAPs, and novel aspects of repolarization-related arrhythmias.

MAPs have undergone a fascinating history, beginning with injury potentials in 1883, and undergoing a remarkable renaissance over the last 30 years in many areas of electrophysiology research, both basic and clinical. Since 1986, the contact electrode technique has provided a unique means to test basic research concepts in the intact or in vivo human heart. Even so, observations in clincal elctrophysiology still warrant further exploration in basic science. Scientific experts in the field have contributed to this volume their latest data on myocardial repolarization and the many factors that modulate normal and abnormal repolorization, to the benefit of electrophysiologists, cardiologists, clinicians as well as pharmaceutical researchers involved in the development of aniarrhythmic drugs. By concentrating on the electrical activity of the in situ heart, this timely and informative reference brings to light information that cannot be obtained by any other means.

An action potential (or nerve impulse) is a transient alteration of the transmembrane voltage (or membrane potential) across an excitable membrane in an excitable cell (such as a neuron or myocyte) generated by the activity of voltage-gated ion channels embedded in the membrane. The best known action potentials are pulse-like waves of voltage that travel along the axons of neurons. This book reviews research on action potential including an overview of the role of specialised axonal excitability techniques in understanding the consequences of abnormal membrane excitability; the physiological implications of action potential in characean cells; and action potential production and the ion channel dependent process and others.

An introductory and advanced reference for electromyography (EMG), explaining anatomic, physiologic, pathologic, and electrical concepts necessary to use EMG.

A comprehensive review of all the latest developments in cardiac electrophysiology, focusing on both the clinical and experimental aspects of ventricular repolarization, including newly discovered clinical repolarization syndromes, electrocardiographic phenomena, and their correlation with the most recent advances in basic science. The authors illuminate the basic electrophysiologic, molecular, and pharmacologic mechanisms underlying ventricular repolarization, relate them to specific disease conditions, and examine the future of antiarrhythmic drug development based on both molecular and electrophysiological properties. They also fully review the clinical presentation and management of specific cardiac repolarization conditions.