U.S. patent application number 10/116201 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-11 for modulation of intracellular calcium concentration using non-excitatory electrical signals applied to the tissue.
Invention is credited to Ricardo Aviv, Nissim Darvish, Bella Felzen, Walid Haddad, Yaakov Haham, Yuval Mika, Itzik Shemer.
Application Number | 20070239216 10/116201 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26813986 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070239216 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Shemer; Itzik ; et
al. |
October 11, 2007 |
Modulation of intracellular calcium concentration using
non-excitatory electrical signals applied to the tissue
Abstract
According to a method and device for modulating intracellular
calcium concentration in biological tissue, a stimulation probe is
applied to the tissue, a non-excitatory stimulation pulse is
generated, and the pulse is conveyed to the stimulation probe. In
one embodiment concerning cardiac tissue, a stimulation probe is
applied to a patient's heart, a signal is received from at least
one sensor responsive to the patient's cardiac muscle activity, a
non-excitatory stimulation pulse responsive to the signal is
generated, and the pulse is conveyed to the stimulation probe.
Inventors: |
Shemer; Itzik; (Haifa,
IL) ; Felzen; Bella; (Haifa, IL) ; Darvish;
Nissim; (Moshav Tsrufa, IL) ; Mika; Yuval;
(Shmurat Zichron, IL) ; Haddad; Walid; (Haifa,
IL) ; Aviv; Ricardo; (Haifa, IL) ; Haham;
Yaakov; (Kiriat Ata, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOLF, BLOCK, SHORR AND SOLIS-COHEN LLP
250 PARK AVENUE
10TH FLOOR
NEW YORK
NY
10177
US
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Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20030040777 A1 |
February 27, 2003 |
|
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Family ID: |
26813986 |
Appl. No.: |
10/116201 |
Filed: |
April 3, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/IB00/01523 |
Oct 4, 2000 |
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10116201 |
Apr 3, 2002 |
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10039845 |
Oct 23, 2001 |
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10116201 |
Apr 3, 2002 |
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09563544 |
May 1, 2000 |
6363279 |
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10039845 |
Oct 23, 2001 |
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09101723 |
Aug 13, 1998 |
6317631 |
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PCT/IL97/00012 |
Jan 8, 1997 |
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09563544 |
May 1, 2000 |
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08595365 |
Feb 1, 1996 |
5738096 |
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09101723 |
Aug 13, 1998 |
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08595365 |
Feb 1, 1996 |
5738096 |
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PCT/IL97/00012 |
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60009769 |
Jan 11, 1996 |
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60011117 |
Feb 5, 1996 |
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60026392 |
Sep 16, 1996 |
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60157511 |
Oct 4, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
607/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 1/368 20130101;
A61N 1/3627 20130101; A61N 1/3628 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
607/009 |
International
Class: |
A61N 1/362 20060101
A61N001/362 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 8, 1996 |
IL |
116,699 |
Sep 17, 1996 |
IL |
119,261 |
Claims
1. A method of modulating intracellular calcium concentration in
biological tissue, which comprises the steps of: (a) applying a
stimulation probe to biological tissue; (b) generating a
non-excitatory stimulation pulse; and (c) conveying the pulse to
the stimulation probe.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the stimulation probe comprises
one or more stimulation probes.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the intracellular calcium
concentration is increased.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the intracellular calcium
concentration is decreased.
5. A method of modulating intracellular calcium concentration in
cardiac tissue, comprising: (a) applying a stimulation probe
comprising one or more stimulation electrodes to a subject's heart;
(b) receiving a signal from at least one sensor responsive to the
subject's cardiac muscle activity; (c) generating a non-excitatory
stimulation pulse responsive to the signal; and (d) conveying the
pulse to at least one of the one or more electrodes.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the intracellular calcium
concentration is increased.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the intracellular calcium
concentration is decreased.
8. The method of claim 5, wherein receiving the signal comprises
introducing a sensing electrode into the heart and receiving
signals therefrom, and wherein generating the stimulation pulse
comprises generating a pulse synchronized with electrical activity
sensed by the sensing electrode.
9. The method of claim 5, wherein receiving the signal comprises
applying an electrode to a body surface and receiving signals
therefrom, and wherein generating the stimulation pulse comprises
generating a pulse synchronized with an ECG signal.
10. The method of claim 5, wherein receiving the signal comprises
receiving signals from at least one of the one or more stimulation
electrodes.
11. The method of claim 5, wherein generating the stimulation pulse
comprises generating a pulse having a predetermined delay relative
to the signal.
12. The method of claim 5, wherein applying the stimulation probe
comprises applying a probe comprising a plurality of stimulation
electrodes, and wherein generating and conveying the pulse
comprises generating a sequence of pulses and applying each pulse
in the sequence to a different one of the plurality of stimulation
electrodes.
13. The method of claim 5, wherein generating and conveying the
stimulation pulse comprises generating and conveying stimulation
pulses selectively, based on a characteristic of the signals
received from the at least one sensor.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein generating and conveying the
pulses comprises generating and applying pulses at a rate dependent
on the heart rate, but not equal to the heart rate.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein generating and conveying the
pulses comprises detecting a cardiac arrhythmia and adjusting the
application of the pulses responsive thereto.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein generating and conveying the
pulses comprises detecting a QT interval in the signals and
generating pulses responsive thereto.
17. The method of claim 5, wherein generating the non-excitatory
stimulation pulse comprises varying one or more parameters of the
pulse, selected from the group consisting of the pulse voltage,
current, duration, delay, and waveform frequency.
18. The method of claim 5, wherein the pulse comprises a baseline
pulse and a waveform of substantially higher frequency than the
baseline pulse superimposed thereon.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the waveform comprises a square
wave.
20. The method of claim 5, and comprising, after generating and
conveying the non-excitatory stimulation pulse, generating and
conveying another pulse of opposite polarity thereto.
21. The method of claim 5, wherein applying the non-excitatory
stimulation pulse comprises varying the extent of a portion of the
area of the heart segment to which the stimulation pulse is
applied.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein varying the extent comprises
selectively addressing a net of stimulation electrodes implanted in
the heart.
23. The method of claim 5, wherein applying the stimulation probe
comprises inserting the one or more stimulation electrodes into
multiple chambers of the heart.
24. The method of claim 5 wherein implanting the stimulation probe
comprises inserting at least one of the one or more stimulation
electrodes into a blood vessel of the heart.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein inserting the at least one
stimulation electrode comprises inserting the electrode into the
coronary sinus.
26. The method of claim 5, wherein generating and conveying the
pulse comprises generating and conveying pulses at selected times
of day.
27. The method of claim 5, wherein generating and conveying the
pulses comprises generating and conveying pulses which increase the
subject's cardiac output.
28. The method of claim 5 wherein generating and conveying the
pulses comprises generating and conveying pulses which decrease the
subject's cardiac output.
29. The method of claim 5, wherein generating and conveying the
pulses comprises generating and conveying pulses which increase the
efficiency of contraction of the heart.
30. An apparatus for modulating intracellular calcium concentration
in biological tissue, comprising: a stimulation probe, and an
electrical control unit capable of generating a non-excitatory
stimulation pulse and conveying said pulse to the stimulation probe
to modulate intracellular calcium concentration.
31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the stimulation probe
comprises one or more stimulation electrodes and the pulse is
conveyed to one or more of said stimulation electrodes.
32. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the intracellular calcium
concentration is increased.
33. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the intracellular calcium
concentration is decreased.
34. An apparatus for modulating intracellular calcium concentration
in cardiac tissue, comprising: a stimulation probe comprising one
or more stimulation electrodes, at least one sensor capable of
generating a signal responsive to cardiac activity, and an
electrical control unit capable of generating a non-excitatory
stimulation pulse responsive to the signal and conveying said pulse
to at least one or the one or more stimulation electrodes to
modulate intracellular calcium concentration.
35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the intracellular calcium
concentration is increased.
36. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the intracellular calcium
concentration is decreased.
37. The apparatus of claim 34, which also comprises a sensing
electrode to be introduced into the heart to sense signals and the
stimulation pulse is synchronized with electrical activity sensed
by the sensing electrode.
38. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the stimulation pulse is
synchronized with an ECG signal from an electrode applied to a body
surface.
39. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein signals are received from at
least one of the one or more stimulation electrodes.
40. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the stimulation pulse
generated has a predetermined delay relative to the signal.
41. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the stimulation probe
comprises a plurality of stimulation electrodes, and wherein the
electrical control unit generates a sequence of pulses and applies
each pulse in the sequence to a different one of the plurality of
stimulation electrodes.
42. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the electrical control unit
generates and conveys stimulation pulses selectively, based on a
characteristic of the signals received from the at least one
sensor.
43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the electrical control unit
generates and applies pulses at a rate dependent on the heart rate,
but not equal to the heart rate.
44. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the electrical control unit
detects a cardiac arrhythmia and adjusts the application of the
pulses responsive thereto.
45. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the electrical control unit
detects a QT interval in the signals and generates pulses
responsive thereto.
46. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein in generating the
non-excitatory stimulation pulse the electrical control unit varies
one or more parameters of the pulse selected from the group
consisting of the pulse voltage, current, duration, delay, and
waveform frequency.
47. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the pulse comprises a
baseline pulse and a waveform of substantially higher frequency
than the baseline pulse superimposed thereon.
48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the waveform comprises a
square wave.
49. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein after generating and
conveying the non-excitatory stimulation pulse, the electrical
control unit generates and conveys another pulse of opposite
polarity thereto.
50. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the electrical control unit
varies the extent of a portion of the area of the heart segment to
which the non-excitatory stimulation pulse is applied.
51. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein varying the extent comprises
selectively addressing a net of stimulation electrodes implanted in
the heart.
52. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the one or more stimulation
electrodes as inserted into multiple chambers of the heart.
53. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein at least one of the one or
more stimulation electrodes are inserted into a blood vessel of the
heart.
54. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein at least one stimulation
electrode is inserted into the coronary sinus.
55. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the electrical control unit
generates and conveys pulses at selected times of day.
56. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the electrical control unit
generates and conveys pulses which increase the subject's cardiac
output.
57. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the electrical control unit
generates and conveys pulses which decrease the subject's cardiac
output.
58. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the electrical control unit
generates and conveys pulses which increase the efficiency of
contraction of the heart.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Serial No. 60/157,511, filed Oct. 4, 1999, which
is assigned to the assignee of the present patent application and
is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to invasive devices and
methods for treatment of the heart, including devices and methods
for stimulation of the heart muscle. More particularly, this
invention relates to control of cellular tissue, specifically the
modulation of intracellular calcium concentration in cardiac muscle
cells.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Cardiac insufficiency, characterized inter alia by a
reduction in cardiac output, is a common, well-known and
well-documented heart malfunction. It develops as a result of
congenital defects or as an end-effect of many diseases. Cardiac
output, i.e., the output of the heart per unit time, is the product
of stroke volume and heart rate. Hence, variations in cardiac
output can be produced by changes in cardiac rate or stroke volume.
The stroke volume can be influenced, for example, by changing the
strength of cardiac contraction, by changing the length of the
cardiac muscle fibers, and by changing contractility of cardiac
muscle independent of fiber length. The heart rate and rhythm
influence the cardiac output both directly and indirectly, since
changes in the rate and rhythm also affect myocardial
contractility.
[0004] The human body normally regulates the cardiac output in
response to body needs by changing the heart rate, as during
physical exercise, and/or by adapting the stroke volume. Under
pathological conditions, however, some of the normal regulatory
mechanisms may be damaged. For example, heart tissue damaged due
to-myocardial infarct typically cannot sustain normal pumping
function, leading to a reduction in stroke volume, and hence of
cardiac output. The body may react to such a reduction by
increasing the heart rate, thus imposing long term strain on the
heart muscles, leading in more severe cases to heart failure. There
is thus a need for devices and treatments that can regulate the
cardiac output, so as to compensate for the deficiencies in the
normal regulation mechanisms.
[0005] In response to this need, modern cardiology has developed
means to control various parameters associated with the heart's
operation. Pharmaceuticals, for example, may be used to influence
the conduction velocity, excitability, contractility and duration
of the refractory period of the heart tissue. These pharmaceuticals
are used to treat arrhythmia, enhance cardiac output and prevent
fibrillation. Pharmaceuticals are generally limited in
effectiveness in that they affect both healthy and diseased
segments of the heart, usually, with a relatively low precision.
They frequently also have unwanted side-effects.
[0006] A special kind of control can be achieved using implantable
electronic devices, which provide excitatory electrical stimulation
to the heart to control directly the heart rate and/or rhythm. For
example, a pacemaker, an electronic device which is typically
implanted in the heart to support the heart's electrical excitation
system or to bypass a blocked portion of the conduction system.
Another type of cardiac electronic device is a defibrillator, which
senses fibrillation in the heart and applies a high voltage impulse
to "reset" the heart. While electronic pacemakers can control the
heart rate, however, they are limited in their capacity to enhance
cardiac output, and they are known to reduce stroke volume in at
least some instances. Defibrillators are useful in treating
arrhythmia when it occurs (although they are painful to the patient
and traumatic to the heart), but they provide no long-term
amelioration of cardiac insufficiency.
[0007] Thus, none of the treatments known in the art allow
effective, long-term regulation of cardiac output. PCT patent
application PCT/IL97/00012, published as WO 97/25098, to Ben-Haim
et al., which is incorporated herein by reference, describes
methods for modifying the force of contraction of at least a
portion a heart chamber by applying a non-excitatory electric field
to the heart at a delay after electrical activation of the portion.
The non-excitatory field is such as does not induce new activation
potentials in cardiac muscle cells, but rather modifies the cells'
response to the activation.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of some aspects of the present invention to
provide improved methods and apparatus for controlling calcium
concentration in biological tissue.
[0009] It is also an object of the present invention to provide
methods and apparatus for modulating intracellular calcium
concentration in cardiac tissue.
[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
methods and apparatus for modulating cardiac contractibility.
[0011] These and other objects of the invention will become more
apparent form the discussion below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, a
controller comprises a non-excitatory stimulation probe, including
one or more non-excitatory stimulation electrodes, at least one
sensor, preferably a sensing electrode; and electronic control
circuitry, coupled to the stimulation probe and sensor. The
stimulation electrodes and, preferably, the sensor are implemented
in the heart. Alternatively, a sensing electrode may be placed on a
body surface. The circuitry receives signals from the sensor,
indicative of the heart's activity, and responsive thereto, drives
the stimulation electrodes to provide non-excitatory electrical
stimulation to the heart. A non-excitatory electrical field,
current or voltage is passed through biological tissue, such as
cardiac tissue, or in its proximity, resulting in either changing
trans-membranal calcium ion fluxes or and/or intracellular stores
content.
[0013] The term "non-excitatory electrical stimulation" ("IDS") in
the context of the present patent application and in the claims,
refers to electrical pulses that do not induce new activation
potentials to propagate in cardiac muscle cells. Rather, such
pulses generally affect the response of the heart muscle to the
action potentials, possibly by modulating cell contractility within
selected segments of the cardiac muscle.
[0014] In any case, the effect of the device on intracellular
calcium concentration is preferably regulated by changing the
timing of the non-excitatory stimulation pulse relative to the
heart's activity, preferably relative to the heart's local
electrical activity or ECG signals received by the sensing
electrode, and/or by changing other pulse characteristics, such as
voltage, current, duration, polarity, waveform and frequency of the
waveform. Preferably, the device senses the heart's sinus rhythm
and applies and synchronizes the stimulation pulse relative
thereto, preferably with a delay before the onset of the
stimulation pulse. Additionally, the circuitry may analyze the
signals, for example, to determine the QT interval, so as to adjust
the stimulation pulses responsive thereto. Alternatively, when the
heart's rhythm is irregular, due to ventricular premature beats
(VPB's) or other cardiac arrhythmias, the device preferably
identifies and analyzes the irregularity, using signal processing
methods known in the art, and adjusts or withholds the stimulation
pulse accordingly.
[0015] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the
control circuitry is contained within a console external to the
body, and the electrodes are fed percutaneously into the subject's
vascular system, for example, through the femoral artery, and are
implanted in the heart. Such embodiments are useful particularly in
short-term therapy to regulate and stabilize the subject's
hemodynamics following an insult or trauma, for example, open heart
surgery or MI.
[0016] In alternative preferred embodiments of the present
invention, the electronic control circuitry is contained within a
miniaturized, implantable case, similar to pacemaker cases known in
the art
[0017] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the
non-excitatory stimulation electrodes known in the art, such as
pacing or electrophysiology electrodes. Preferably, the stimulation
electrodes comprise large-area carbon electrodes or any other metal
electrodes such as titanium nitrate, iridium oxide, most preferably
vitreous carbon, or alternatively, pyro-carbon. Both types of
carbon materials are known for their compatibility with heart
tissue, in-vivo durability and excellent electrical properties,
including high electrical conductivity. Thus, they allow a
relatively high electrical current to be delivered to a relatively
large segment of the heart tissue, without inducing electrical
excitation.
[0018] In other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the
non-excitatory stimulation electrodes are inserted into one of the
blood vessels of the heart, preferably into the coronary sinus, or
alternatively, into a coronary artery.
[0019] In another preferred embodiment of this type, different
stimulation pulses are applied to respective ones or groups of the
plurality of stimulation electrodes. Preferably, the different
stimulation pulses are applied to the respective electrodes with a
predetermined delay between the different pulses. The delay may be
varied so as to achieve a desired hemodynamic effect, for example,
to maximize the increase in stroke volume.
[0020] In still other such preferred embodiments, the positions of
the plurality of stimulation electrodes and/or characteristics of
the stimulation pulses applied thereto are optimized responsive to
clinical characteristics of the heart. Preferably, before insertion
of the electrodes, a map of the heart is produced, for example, an
electrophysiological map, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,568,809,
or a phase-dependent geometrical map, as described in PCT Patent
Application PCT/IL97/00011, both of which are incorporated herein
by reference. Preferably, the map includes information regarding
the viability of the heart tissue, for example, based on local
contractility or electrical activity. The non-excitatory
stimulation electrodes are then positioned responsive to the
map.
[0021] Preferably, applying the IDS signal includes conveying
electrical energy to cells of the heart, such that action
potentials are generally not generated in the cells responsive to
the application of the non-excitatory signal.
[0022] Further preferably, the IDS signal is applied to improve
hemodynamic performance of the heart. Preferably, the IDS signal is
applied in order to increase contractility of the heart or,
alternatively or additionally, to increase systolic pressure
generated by the heart
[0023] In a preferred embodiment, applying the IDS signal includes
sensing physiological variables and applying the signal responsive
thereto. Preferably, sensing the variable includes detecting an
electrical depolarization wave in the tissue. Alternatively,
sensing the variable includes sensing a hemodynamic parameter.
Preferably, applying the pacing pulses include controlling
application of the pacing pulses responsive to the variable,
wherein controlling the application of the pacing pulses includes
making a transition from a first stimulation mode to a second
stimulation mode responsive to the variable.
[0024] There is also provided, in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for stimulating
cardiac tissue, including: [0025] a plurality of electrodes, which
are placed at multiple sites in at least two different chambers of
the heart; and [0026] an electrical control unit, which applies
pacing pulses to two or more of the electrodes at respective pacing
sites in the at least two different chambers, and which applies an
IDS signal to at least one of the electrodes in a vicinity of one
or more of the pacing sites following application of the pacing
pulse at the site.
[0027] Preferably, the at least one of the electrodes to which the
IDS signal is applied includes one of the electrodes to which the
pacing pulses are applied.
[0028] Further preferably, at least one of the pacing sites is in
the left ventricle, and the IDS signal is applied to an electrode
in the left ventricle.
[0029] Preferably, the control unit applies the IDS signal between
during a time period which begins between about 0 and 100 ms after
the onset of a pacing pulse applied by the control unit, wherein
the time period is set so as to substantially eliminate the
possibility that a propagating action potential will be generated
responsive to application of the IDS signal. Preferably, the time
period begins between about 10 and 50 ms after the onset of the
pacing pulse.
[0030] Preferably, the IDS signal is applied in order to increase
contractility of the heart or, alternatively or additionally, in
order to increase systolic pressure generated by the heart.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a sensor,
which senses a physiological variable, wherein the control unit
receives an input from the sensor and applies the IDS signal
responsive thereto. Preferably, the sensor detects an electrical
depolarization wave in the tissue. Alternatively (or additionally,
the sensor senses a hemodynamic: parameter or senses motion.
Preferably, the control unit controls application of the pacing
pulses responsive to the variable. Further preferably the control
unit makes a transition from a first stimulation mode to a second
stimulation mode responsive to the variable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The present invention will be more fully understood form the
following detailed description of the preferred embodiments
thereof, taken together with the drawings, in which:
[0033] FIG. 1A is a graph of shortening vs. time, before, during,
and after an IDS signal;
[0034] FIG. 1B is a graph of calcium concentration vs. time;
[0035] FIG. 2A is a graph of calcium concentration vs. time;
[0036] FIG. 2B is a graph of shortening vs. time;
[0037] FIG. 3 depicts two graphs vs. time, graph (a) representing
concentration form vs. time, and graph (b) represents action
potential vs. time; and
[0038] FIG. 4 depicts two graphs of concentration force vs. time,
(a) being a control and (b) representing the use of a drug.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0039] This invention is designed to modulate intracellular calcium
concentration in a biological tissue using a non-excitatory
electrical signal (IDS). In particular, the invention relates to
the modulation of the intracellular calcium in cardiac muscle cells
and thus the modulation of cardiac contractility. According to this
invention a non-excitatory electrical field, current or voltage is
passed through the tissue or in its proximity, resulting in either
changing trans-membranal calcium ion fluxes or an intracellular
calcium stores content. In another aspect of the invention the
electrical field may interfere/enhance the affinity of
intracellular calcium binding elements to calcium. In a further
aspect the rise in intracellular calcium concentrations may
initiate a cascade of events including, but not limited to,
phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, gene transcription, and/or post
translation modification.
[0040] Systems are disclosed which utilize the application of
electrical current to a tissue, effecting tissue contractility by
means of modulating intracellular calcium. At least one pair of
electrodes is used for applying the signal. Electrode placement is
adapted for achieving the maximum desired effect. The electrodes
are attached to an either implantable or external device with
programming capabilities. This device can be tested and calibrated
non-invasively by external mechanisms. In addition, stimulation
parameters can be adjusted by a similar programming mechanism.
[0041] The characteristics of the electrodes used for the
stimulation are important. This invention utilizes both uni-polar
and bi-polar electrode configurations.
[0042] A novel aspect of this method of modulating intracellular
calcium in cells is the ability to adjust the timing and the amount
of calcium increase/decrease using temporal electrical current
rather than systemic pharmacological agents.
[0043] The accompanying figures show changes in intracellular
calcium resulting from the application of the IDS signal together
with experimental evidence on the effect of the IDS signal on the
calcium handling in the cell. FIG. 1A represents the shortening of
a single isolated myocyte measured using optical means. Each of the
lines represents a single contraction of the myocyte. When the IDS
signal was delivered, a marked increase in the myocyte shortening
of 30.9.+-.5% (n=10) was observed. The shortening returned to
baseline when signal delivery was stopped.
[0044] FIG. 1B shows the optical measurements of calcium
concentration from a single myocyte without the application of the
IDS signal (dark line) and on top of it superimposed the
intracellular calcium concentration during the delivery of the IDS
signal (gray line). An increase of 26.6% (n=3) in the peak calcium
level was observed. The calcium concentration changes were measured
using the florescence ration of a calcium sensitive dye Fura-2 at
two wavelengths, 340 nm and 380 nm. The same result showing a large
increase in calcium concentration was measured from an isolated
ferret heart using a Langendorf setting. The ventricle contraction
force and contractility increased by up to 50%, and at the same
time cellular calcium concentration, measured using Aquarine
calcium sensitive dye, was increased by up to 50%.
[0045] FIGS. 2A and 2B show the effect of the IDS signal on the
shortening and intracellular calcium of myocytes isolated from
canine heart with heart failure (generated by repeated ischemia
events). Each line represents an average of 20 consecutive beats
before (black line) and during (gray line) the application of the
signal. FIG. 2A shows an increase of 24.9.+-.3.9% (n=11) in
shortening. FIG. 2B shows an increase of 29.7% (n=3) in
intracellular calcium measured using Fluo-3 fluorescence.
[0046] FIG. 3 depicts initial changes in contraction force and in
action potential duration, measured using an intracellular
electrode, during the first three beats of IDS signal application
to a rabbit papillary muscle. The action potential duration when
the IDS signal is applied (gray line in the lower trace) is
superimposed on a control contraction (black line in the middle
trace). Black lines, in the upper trace, mark the start of
application of the IDS signal. The action potential duration
immediately changes upon the application of the IDS signal from the
first pulse. There is no significant difference between action
potential duration in the consecutive beats. The contraction force
behaves differently; there is a small increase in the contraction
force on the first beat followed by a larger increase in the second
beat and gradual changes until a plateau is reached after 5 to 6
beats. The underlying mechanism is that the IDS signal prolongs
action potential duration. As a result of action potential
prolongation the flow of calcium into the cell increases and
generates two effects: [0047] (1) immediate increase in the
Sarcolemal calcium level causing the initial increase in the
contraction force on the first beat; and [0048] (2) increase in the
stored calcium in the Sarcoplasmatic Reticulum (SR) that is
released during the following contractions and induces a larger
increase in contraction until a new steady state is reached with
higher contraction force.
[0049] The initial increase in the contractile force also supports
the possible increase in the affinity of intracellular calcium
binding elements that cause part of the increase in the contraction
force.
[0050] FIG. 4 provides additional evidence supporting the
hypothesis of calcium entry. The lower trace shows the increase in
contraction force of a rabbit papillary muscle as a result of an
IDS signal (shown as a black line on the upper trace). The initial
increase in contraction on the first beat followed by the gradual
change in the following beats is clearly seen. The middle trace
shows the change in contraction force of the same muscle after the
addition of the Ryanodine to the bath solution. Ryanodine prevents
the accumulation of calcium in the Sarcoplasmatic Reticulum and
therefore decreases the baseline contraction force. Upon the
application of the IDS signal the contraction force increases
immediately on the first beat, but no increase occurs during the
following beats since the SR mechanism is disabled by the Ryanodine
and no accumulation of calcium in the SR can contribute to the
additional increase in contraction force exist.
[0051] All such variations, applications and subcombinations of
elements are considered to be within scope of the present
invention. It will thus be appreciated that the preferred
embodiments described above are cited by way of example, and the
full scope of the invention is limited only by the claims.
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