A mathematical model for electrical stimulation of a monolayer of cardiac cells

Abstract

Background: The goal of our study is to examine the effect of stimulating a two-dimensional sheet of myocardial cells. We assume that the stimulating electrode is located in a bath perfusing the tissue. Methods: An equation governing the transmembrane potential, based on the continuity equation and Ohm's law, is solved numerically using a finite difference technique. Results: The sheet is depolarized under the stimulating electrode and is hyperpolarized on each side of the electrode along the fiber axis. Conclusions: The results are similar to those obtained previously by Sepulveda et al. (Biophys J, 55: 987-999, 1989) for stimulation of a two-dimensional sheet of tissue with no perfusing bath present. © 2004 Srinivasan and Roth; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.