Objective To study the potential effect of verapamil for the early changes of L-type calcium channel α1c and potassium channel
Kv4.3 in a rapid paced primary cultured atrial myocyte model for atrial fibrillation. Methods Primary rat atrial myocytes were cultured and established a rapid paced primary cultured atrial myocyte model. Atrial cells were divided into four groups: control group,
rapid pacing group, verapamil with rapid pacing group and verapamil without rapid pacing group. Durations of rapid pacing were 24 h. The mRNA and protein expressions of L-type calcium channel α1c and potassium channel Kv4.3 were measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting respectively. Results It was found that 24 h pacing significantly reduced mRNA and protein expressions of L-type calcium channel α1c and potassium channel Kv4.3 as compared to controls (P<0.05), but no significant changes in mRNA and protein expressions of L-type calcium channel α1c and potassium channel Kv4.3 in the cells pretreated with verapamil before 24-hour pacing were found as compared to controls (P>0.05). Conclusion Expressions of L-type calcium channel α1c and potassium channel Kv4.3 were reduced in the rapid pacing atrial myocytes, suggesting
ion channel remodeling of atrial myocytes. However, verapamil can attenuate the progression of ion channel remodeling of atrial myocytes at least in early phase.