Renal denervation prevents myocardial structural remodeling and arrhythmogenicity in a chronic kidney disease rabbit model

Background The electrophysiological (EP) effects and safety of renal artery denervation (RDN) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) are unclear. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the arrhythmogenicity of RDN in a rabbit model of CKD. Methods Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits were randomized to control (n = 6), CKD (n = 6), and CKD-RDN (n = 6) groups. A 5/6 nephrectomy was selected for the CKD model. RDN was applied in the CKD-RDN group. All rabbits underwent cardiac EP studies for evaluation. Immunohistochemistry, myocardial fibrosis, and renal catecholamine levels were evaluated. Results The CKD group (34.8% ± 9.2%) had a significantly higher ventricular arrhythmia (VA) inducibility than the control (8.6% ± 3.8%; P Conclusion Neuromodulation by RDN demonstrated protective effects with less structural and electrical remodeling, leading to attenuated VAs. In a rabbit model of CKD, RDN plays a therapeutic role by lowering the risk of VA caused by autonomic dysfunction.