Connexin43 gene transfer reduces ventricular tachycardia susceptibility after myocardial infarction.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the links between connexin43 (Cx43) expression, myocardial conduction velocity, and ventricular tachycardia in a model of healed myocardial infarction.

Background

Post-infarction ventricular arrhythmias frequently cause sudden death. Impaired myocardial conduction has previously been linked to ventricular arrhythmias. Altered connexin expression is a potential source of conduction slowing identified in healed scar border tissues. The functional effect of increasing border-zone Cx43 has not been previously evaluated.

Methods

Twenty-five Yorkshire pigs underwent anterior infarction by transient left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion, followed by weekly testing for arrhythmia inducibility. Twenty animals with r

SUBMITTER: Greener ID 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3578694 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature