1.0 Biological Pacemaker
Pacemakers are electronic devices implanted in individuals with bradyarrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) to monitor and regulate heart muscle contractions. Biological pacemakers have been developed that will involve the injection of pacemaker genes from stem cells into damaged heart tissues to restore normal function and heart rhythm. The biological pacemakers are designed to down regulate the expression of the hyperpolarization activated cyclic nucleotide gated (HCN2) channels and the potassium current as well as up regulating the β2 adrenergic receptors. The adoption of biological pacemakers over the electronic pacemakers offers various advantages. Electronic pacemakers require battery powering and maintenance while the ...