Higher Na⁺-Ca²⁺ Exchanger Function and Triggered Activity Contribute to Male Predisposition to Atrial Fibrillation.

ABSTRACT: Male sex is one of the most important risk factors of atrial fibrillation (AF), with the incidence in men being almost double that in women. However, the reasons for this sex difference are unknown. Accordingly, in this study, we sought to determine whether there are sex differences in intracellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis in mouse atrial myocytes that might help explain male predisposition to AF. AF susceptibility was assessed in male (M) and female (F) mice (4-5 months old) using programmed electrical stimulation (EPS) protocols. Males were 50% more likely to develop AF. The Ca²⁺ transient amplitude was 28% higher in male atrial myocytes. Spontaneous systolic and diastolic Ca²⁺ releases, which are known sources of triggered activity, were significantly more freq

SUBMITTER: Thibault S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9501955 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature