Simulation of frequency entrainment in a system of two coupled cardiac cells

A model consisting of a pair of coupled cardiac cells was subjected to different rates of regular pacing to study its properties of frequency entrainment. While both cells exhibited the same periodic sequences defined in terms of the number of applied stimuli, the succession of rhythms varied as a function of the coupling resistance. With strong coupling, the system behaved as a single unit. With medium coupling, the coupled cell responded less frequently as the rate of stimulation was increased. With loose coupling, the coupled cell remained silent and the paced cell could follow a rate of stimulation much higher than in the complete absence of coupling