Impact of the Particle Irradiation on the Electrophysiological Changes of the Heart

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17K17872
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Cardiovascular medicine; Radiation science
• Research Institution: Kobe University
• Principal Investigator: Takami Mitsuru 神戸大学, 医学部附属病院, 特定助教 (50793717)
• Research Collaborator: Fukuzawa Koji ; Okimoto Tomoaki ; Suga Masanari ; Hara Tetsuya
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: 粒子線照射 / 心臓 / 電気生理学的変化

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We performed the particle beam irradiation for the rabbit's heart at Hyogo Iron Beam Medical Center. Regular follow-up examinations (ECG and echocardiography) were performed after the irradiation. At 3-6 months after the irradiation, we opened the chest under the general anesthesia and performed the electrophysiological study. After euthanization, we analyzed the histological changes. We could observed the skin color changes and the decrease of the voltage in the ECG during the follow-up.
Electrophysiological study showed the prolongation of the conduction time, decreasing the conduction velocity and voltage in the epicardium. These results suggested that the particle beam could be applied to the treatment of the cardiac arrhythmia.

Free Research Field

循環器分野

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究結果により心臓への粒子線照射により電気生理学的変化がもたらされる事が明らかとなった。心臓の不整脈疾患に対してはカテーテルを体内に挿入し不整脈起源となる心筋組織に高周波通電を行うカテーテルアブレーション治療が広く行われているが、重篤な合併症や効果不十分な症例も存在する。粒子線は体内の目標部位に高い精度でエネルギーを集中させる事が可能である。今後、心臓への標的部位への精度を更に高める事や照射の副作用については更なる検討が必要であるが、心臓不整脈治療への応用が期待される結果となった。