Electrophysiological Characteristics and Differential Densities of
Intermediate Conductance Calcium-activated Potassium Channels in Rabbit
Atrium and Thoracic Veins
Abstract
Background: Intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium
channels (KCa3.1) are important for automaticity of sinus nodes.
Previous studies have identified that cardiomyocytes with pacemaker
activities are existent in pulmonary vein (PV), superior vena cava
(SVC). The aim of the present study was to explore the
electrophysiological characteristics and differential densities of
KCa3.1 in rabbit atrium. Methods: Immune-staining techniques and western
blots were used to determine the KCa3.1 expression in PV, SVC, right
atrium (RA), and left atrium (LA). Transmembrane action potentials (APs)
of PVs, SVC, RA, and LA were recorded. Isoproterenol (1uM) and high
calcium (5.4mM) were used to induce delayed afterdepolarization (DAD)
and DAD-induced trigger activity. Results: The expression of KCa3.1 was
significantly higher in the PVs and SVC than in the RA and LA. After
super-fusion with isoproterenol (1μM) and high calcium (5.4mM), the
delayed afterdepolarization (DAD) and DAD-induced triggered activity was
induced in the PVs and SVC, but not in the RA and LA with isoproterenol
and high calcium administration. TRAM-34 (5uM), a KCa3.1 inhibitor,
inhibited DAD and DAD-induced triggered activity. Conclusions: Compared
with atrium, thoracic veins are the most common sites genesis AF due to
different distribution of KCa3.1. Blockade of KCa3.1 could eliminate DAD
and DAD-induced trigger activity, KCa3.1 might be a promising target for
foci AF.