Computer Simulations of the Effect of Gap Junctions on the Synchronization of Central and Peripheral Sinoatrial Node Cells
The electrical activity of couples of central and peripheral sinoatrial node cells interacting via gap junctions has been simulated. It was found that, as the intercellular conductivity decreases, the phase lag increases; a decrease in conductivity below the critical leads to asynchronous oscillations. The magnitude of the phase lag depends upon the type of interacting cells and is maximum for central and peripheral couples of sinoatrial node cells.