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Updated: May 6, 2026

Isolation of Atrial Myocytes from Adult Mice
Published on: July 25, 2019
Role of small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels in atrial electrophysiology and fibrillation in the
Xiao-Yan Qi1, Jonas G Diness, Bianca J J M Brundel
1Research Center (X.-Y.Q., P.N., C.-T.W., H.H., M.H., M.A., S.N.), Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Cardiac and Circulatory Research Section (J.G.D., M.G.), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Acesion Pharma, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Pharmacology (B.J.J.M.B.), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Division of Experimental Cardiology (X.-B.Z., D.D.), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital and University Taoyuan (C.-T.W.), Taoyuan, Taiwan, China; Institute of Pharmacology (D.D.), Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
Calcium-dependent potassium (SK) channels influence heart rhythm and atrial fibrillation (AF) risk. Blocking these channels in dogs prolonged atrial refractoriness and reduced AF duration, suggesting potential anti-AF therapies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Functional Ca²⁺-dependent K⁺ (SK) channels are implicated in atrial fibrillation (AF) risk.
- Mechanisms linking SK channels to AF remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of SK channels in atrial repolarization.
- Determine the involvement of SK channels in AF persistence using a canine model.
Main Methods:
- Assessed electrophysiological variables in dogs with atrial remodeling via 7-day atrial tachypacing (AT-P).
- Measured ionic currents and single-channel properties in isolated canine atrial cardiomyocytes using patch clamp.
- Utilized NS8593, a selective SK channel blocker, to assess SK current inhibition and its effects.
Main Results:
- NS8593 selectively blocked SK current (IC₅₀ ≈5 μmol/L) without affecting other ion currents.
- Whole-cell SK current was larger in pulmonary vein (PV) than left atrial (LA) cells; AT-P enhanced SK currents and single-channel open probability.
- SK channel block prolonged action potential duration and, in vivo, NS8593 administration reduced AF duration and prolonged atrial refractoriness.
Conclusions:
- SK currents are crucial for canine atrial repolarization, with higher expression in PVs than LA.
- Atrial tachycardia remodeling enhances SK currents, contributing to AF maintenance.
- SK channel blockers show promise as potential anti-AF therapeutics.
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