Bathmotropic

Bathmotropic refers to the influence on the excitability of a cell, particularly in the context of heart muscle cells. It is one of the several properties that regulate the function of the heart, others being Chronotropic, Dromotropic, and Inotropic effects.

Overview

Bathmotropic effects are those that change the threshold potential of heart muscle cells, thereby influencing their excitability. This can have significant implications for heart function, as changes in excitability can affect the rate and rhythm of heartbeats.

Negative bathmotropic effects decrease the excitability of the heart muscle cells, making them less likely to respond to stimuli. This can slow down the heart rate and potentially lead to conditions such as bradycardia.

Positive bathmotropic effects, on the other hand, increase the excitability of the heart muscle cells, making them more likely to respond to stimuli. This can speed up the heart rate and potentially lead to conditions such as tachycardia.

Factors Influencing Bathmotropic Effects

Several factors can influence the bathmotropic effects on the heart. These include:

• Neurotransmitters: Certain neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine and norepinephrine, can have bathmotropic effects. Acetylcholine generally has a negative bathmotropic effect, while norepinephrine has a positive bathmotropic effect.
• Hormones: Hormones like adrenaline and thyroxine can increase the excitability of heart muscle cells, exerting a positive bathmotropic effect.
• Drugs: Certain drugs can also influence the bathmotropic effects. For example, beta blockers can decrease the excitability of heart muscle cells, exerting a negative bathmotropic effect.

Clinical Significance

Understanding bathmotropic effects is crucial in the field of cardiology, as it can help in the diagnosis and treatment of various heart conditions. For instance, drugs that influence bathmotropic effects can be used to treat conditions like tachycardia and bradycardia.

See Also

• Chronotropic
• Dromotropic
• Inotropic

References

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