Objective: To bulid the methodology of acute animal model of atrial fibrillation (AF) induced by increased sympathetic nerve activity. Methods: Sixteen mongrel dogs weighing 18 to 25kg were divided into 3 groups. Control group (n=4) underwent 6-hour rapid atial pacing only. Right stellate ganglion(RSG) group (n=6) and Left stellate ganglion(LSG) group (n=6). AF induction rate, and AF duration in left atrium(LA), right atrium(RA), left superior pulmonary vein(LSPV) and left inferior pulmonary vein(LIPV) sites were measured. Results: (1) The effect on AF inducibility: In RSG group, the induction rate of AF was significantly increased in RA sites(P＜0.05), compared with baseline. However, there was no significant changes in LA, LSPV and LIPV sites. In LSG group, the induction rate of AF was significantly increased (P＜0.05), compared with baseline in LA, LSPV and LIPV respectively. Compared with RSG stimulation, right stellate ganglionectomy can markly decrease AF induction rate of RA(P＜0.05). Compared with LSG stimulation, left stellate ganglionectomy can markly decreased AF induction rate of LA, LSPV and LIPV(P＜0.05). (2) The effect on AF duration: In RSG group, the duration of AF was significantly prolonged in RA sites(P＜0.05), compared with baseline. In LSG group, the duration of AF was significantly prolonged(P＜0.05), compared with baseline in LA, LSPV and LIPV respectively. Compared with RSG stimulation, right stellate ganglionectomy can markly shorten AF duration of RA(P＜0.05). Compared with LSG stimulation, left stellate ganglionectomy can markly shorten AF duration of LA, LSPV and LIPV(P＜0.05). Conclusion: Unilateral stellate ganglion electrical stimulation puls rapid atial pacing for 6 hours can successfully establish canine model of acute AF mediated by sympathetic nerve. Stellate ganglion stimulation promote AF induction and prolong AF maintenance in atrial and pulmonary sites. The inhibition sympathetic nerve activation by unilateral stellate ganglionectomy can reduce the AF initiating and sustaining.