T Christ, P Boknik, S Wöhrl, E Wettwer, E M Graf, R F Bosch, M Knaut, W Schmitz, U Ravens, D Dobrev
BACKGROUND: Although downregulation of L-type Ca2+ current (I(Ca,L)) in chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important determinant of electrical remodeling, the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we tested whether reduced I(Ca,L) in AF is associated with alterations in phosphorylation-dependent channel regulation. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used whole-cell voltage-clamp technique and biochemical assays to study regulation and expression of I(Ca,L) in myocytes and atrial tissue from 148 patients with sinus rhythm (SR) and chronic AF...
October 26, 2004: Circulation