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Updated: Mar 20, 2026

Isolation and Kv Channel Recordings in Murine Atrial and Ventricular Cardiomyocytes
Published on: March 12, 2013
Potassium Channel Block and Novel Autoimmune-Associated Long QT Syndrome
Mohamed Boutjdir1, Pietro Enea Lazzerini2, Pier Leopoldo Capecchi2
1Research and Development Service, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, 800 Poly Place, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA; Departments of Medicine, Cell Biology and Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; Department of Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, 550, 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
Abstract:
This article reviews advances in the pathogenesis of anti-SSA/Ro antibody-induced corrected QT (QTc) prolongation in patients with autoimmune diseases; particularly connective tissue disease (CTD). Evidence shows that anti-SSA/Ro antibody-positive patients with CTD show QTc prolongation and complex ventricular arrhythmias. Molecular and functional data provide evidence that the human ether-a-go-go-related gene potassium channel conducting the rapidly activating delayed rectifier potassium current is directly inhibited by anti-SSA/Ro antibodies, resulting in action potential duration prolongation leading to QT interval lengthening. Routine electrocardiogram screening in anti-SSA/Ro antibody-positive patients and counseling for patients with other QTc prolonging risk factors is recommended.
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