Loss of p21-activated kinase 1 (Pak1) promotes atrial arrhythmic activity.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is initiated through arrhythmic atrial excitation from outside the sinus node or remodeling of atrial tissue that allows reentry of excitation. Angiotensin II (AngII) has been implicated in the initiation and maintenance of AF through changes in Ca²⁺ handling and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Objective

We aimed to determine the role of p21-activated kinase 1 (Pak1), a downstream target in the AngII signaling cascade, in atrial electrophysiology and arrhythmia.

Methods

Wild-type and Pak1^-/- mice were used to determine atrial function in vivo on the organ and cellular level by quantification of electrophysiological and Ca²⁺ handling properties.

Results

We demonstrate that reduced

SUBMITTER: DeSantiago J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7017889 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature