ABSTRACT
The cardiovascular system is a rich source of tissues for in vitro studies. Some of the most widely used cardiac preparations are various isolated atrial tissues. The intrinsic rhythmicity of the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes, plus the conduction of impulses over the atria, allows for the proper coordination of atrial emptying and ventricular filling. The functioning of atria is dependent upon many factors such as innervation, age, and circulating hormones, and therefore pathological changes in any of these can result in altered atrial function. The main area of interest in pharmacological studies which use atrial preparations is in drugs which either alter contractility and/or rate, and rhythm. The mechanical activity of intact atria, and atrial tissue, can be assessed in various ways and under a variety of loads. Electrical activity can be measured in atrial tissue by a variety of techniques. Electrograms and monophasic action potential recordings can easily be obtained from atrial tissue.
