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Expression of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel isoforms in a canine model of atrial

Wei He1, Jian Zhang1, Tianyi Gan1

  • 1Pacing Electrophysiology Division, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China.

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
|June 28, 2016
PubMed

Insights

In dogs with multiple organ failure, atrial fibrillation was linked to higher levels of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel 2 and 4. These HCN channel changes may contribute to the development of atrial fibrillation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Veterinary Medicine

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia.
  • Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels play a role in cardiac rhythm.
  • The role of HCN isoforms in AF, particularly in the context of multiple organ failure, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mRNA and protein expression of HCN channel isoforms in the left atrial muscle of dogs with multiple organ failure.
  • To compare HCN expression levels between dogs with sinus rhythm and those with atrial fibrillation.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of left atrial appendage tissue from 14 beagle dogs with multiple organ failure.
  • Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to measure mRNA expression levels.
  • Western blot analysis to measure protein expression levels.

Main Results:

  • HCN2 and HCN4 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly increased in dogs with atrial fibrillation compared to those with sinus rhythm.
  • HCN1 isoform expression was not detected in any of the samples.
  • Increased HCN2 and HCN4 expression may be a molecular mechanism in the pathogenesis of AF.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated expression of HCN2 and HCN4 in the left atrium may contribute to the development of atrial fibrillation in dogs with multiple organ failure.
  • These findings suggest a potential link between HCN channel expression and AF in the context of systemic disease.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic implications of targeting HCN channels in AF.
Keywords:
atrial electrical remodelingatrial fibrillationhyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channelmultiple organ failure

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