Stretch activated ion channels in myocytes: parameter estimation, simulations and phenomena

Mechanosensitive ion channels influence the electrophysiological state of cardiac myocytes. An examination of the mechanisms of mechano-electrical coupling on cellular level by the mechanosensitive ion channels was performed. Simulations with a detailed electrophysiological model were carried out. Static stretch leaded to an increase of the resting potential and a decrease of the duration of the action potential with increasing sarcomere length. Dynamic stretch delivered a variety of phenomena depending on the duration and amplitude of the stretch. An arrhythmogenic single cell phenomenon, early after depolarisation, was observed.