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Li E, van der Heyden MAG. The network of cardiac K IR2.1: its function, cellular regulation, electrical signaling, diseases and new drug avenues. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03116-5. [PMID: 38683369 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03116-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The functioning of the human heart relies on complex electrical and communication systems that coordinate cardiac contractions and sustain rhythmicity. One of the key players contributing to this intricate system is the KIR2.1 potassium ion channel, which is encoded by the KCNJ2 gene. KIR2.1 channels exhibit abundant expression in both ventricular myocytes and Purkinje fibers, exerting an important role in maintaining the balance of intracellular potassium ion levels within the heart. And by stabilizing the resting membrane potential and contributing to action potential repolarization, these channels have an important role in cardiac excitability also. Either gain- or loss-of-function mutations, but also acquired impairments of their function, are implicated in the pathogenesis of diverse types of cardiac arrhythmias. In this review, we aim to elucidate the system functions of KIR2.1 channels related to cellular electrical signaling, communication, and their contributions to cardiovascular disease. Based on this knowledge, we will discuss existing and new pharmacological avenues to modulate their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Encan Li
- Department of Medical Physiology, Division Heart & Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, Yalelaan 50, 3584 CM, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marcel A G van der Heyden
- Department of Medical Physiology, Division Heart & Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, Yalelaan 50, 3584 CM, Utrecht, Netherlands.
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2
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Kursanov A, Balakina-Vikulova NA, Solovyova O, Panfilov A, Katsnelson LB. In silico analysis of the contribution of cardiomyocyte-fibroblast electromechanical interaction to the arrhythmia. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1123609. [PMID: 36969594 PMCID: PMC10036780 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1123609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Although fibroblasts are about 5–10 times smaller than cardiomyocytes, their number in the ventricle is about twice that of cardiomyocytes. The high density of fibroblasts in myocardial tissue leads to a noticeable effect of their electromechanical interaction with cardiomyocytes on the electrical and mechanical functions of the latter. Our work focuses on the analysis of the mechanisms of spontaneous electrical and mechanical activity of the fibroblast-coupled cardiomyocyte during its calcium overload, which occurs in a variety of pathologies, including acute ischemia. For this study, we developed a mathematical model of the electromechanical interaction between cardiomyocyte and fibroblasts and used it to simulate the impact of overloading cardiomyocytes. In contrast to modeling only the electrical interaction between cardiomyocyte and fibroblasts, the following new features emerge in simulations with the model that accounts for both electrical and mechanical coupling and mechano-electrical feedback loops in the interacting cells. First, the activity of mechanosensitive ion channels in the coupled fibroblasts depolarizes their resting potential. Second, this additional depolarization increases the resting potential of the coupled myocyte, thus augmenting its susceptibility to triggered activity. The triggered activity associated with the cardiomyocyte calcium overload manifests itself in the model either as early afterdepolarizations or as extrasystoles, i.e., extra action potentials and extra contractions. Analysis of the model simulations showed that mechanics contribute significantly to the proarrhythmic effects in the cardiomyocyte overloaded with calcium and coupled with fibroblasts, and that mechano-electrical feedback loops in both the cardiomyocyte and fibroblasts play a key role in this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kursanov
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterinburg, Russia
- Laboratory of Mathematical Modeling in Physiology and Medicine Based on Supercomputers, Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Nathalie A. Balakina-Vikulova
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterinburg, Russia
- Laboratory of Mathematical Modeling in Physiology and Medicine Based on Supercomputers, Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Olga Solovyova
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterinburg, Russia
- Laboratory of Mathematical Modeling in Physiology and Medicine Based on Supercomputers, Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Alexander Panfilov
- Laboratory of Mathematical Modeling in Physiology and Medicine Based on Supercomputers, Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Leonid B. Katsnelson
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterinburg, Russia
- Laboratory of Mathematical Modeling in Physiology and Medicine Based on Supercomputers, Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
- *Correspondence: Leonid B. Katsnelson,
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3
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Bartolucci C, Forouzandehmehr M, Severi S, Paci M. A Novel In Silico Electromechanical Model of Human Ventricular Cardiomyocyte. Front Physiol 2022; 13:906146. [PMID: 35721558 PMCID: PMC9198403 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.906146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Contractility has become one of the main readouts in computational and experimental studies on cardiomyocytes. Following this trend, we propose a novel mathematical model of human ventricular cardiomyocytes electromechanics, BPSLand, by coupling a recent human contractile element to the BPS2020 model of electrophysiology. BPSLand is the result of a hybrid optimization process and it reproduces all the electrophysiology experimental indices captured by its predecessor BPS2020, simultaneously enabling the simulation of realistic human active tension and its potential abnormalities. The transmural heterogeneity in both electrophysiology and contractility departments was simulated consistent with previous computational and in vitro studies. Furthermore, our model could capture delayed afterdepolarizations (DADs), early afterdepolarizations (EADs), and contraction abnormalities in terms of aftercontractions triggered by either drug action or special pacing modes. Finally, we further validated the mechanical results of the model against previous experimental and in silico studies, e.g., the contractility dependence on pacing rate. Adding a new level of applicability to the normative models of human cardiomyocytes, BPSLand represents a robust, fully-human in silico model with promising capabilities for translational cardiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bartolucci
- Computational Physiopathology Unit, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Severi
- Computational Physiopathology Unit, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Paci
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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4
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Husti Z, Varró A, Baczkó I. Arrhythmogenic Remodeling in the Failing Heart. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113203. [PMID: 34831426 PMCID: PMC8623396 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic heart failure is a clinical syndrome with multiple etiologies, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular tachyarrhythmias and atrial fibrillation, are common in heart failure. A number of cardiac diseases including heart failure alter the expression and regulation of ion channels and transporters leading to arrhythmogenic electrical remodeling. Myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis and scar formation are key elements of arrhythmogenic structural remodeling in heart failure. In this article, the mechanisms responsible for increased arrhythmia susceptibility as well as the underlying changes in ion channel, transporter expression and function as well as alterations in calcium handling in heart failure are discussed. Understanding the mechanisms of arrhythmogenic remodeling is key to improving arrhythmia management and the prevention of sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Husti
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (Z.H.); (A.V.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - András Varró
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (Z.H.); (A.V.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Research Group for Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - István Baczkó
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (Z.H.); (A.V.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence:
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5
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Odening KE, Gomez AM, Dobrev D, Fabritz L, Heinzel FR, Mangoni ME, Molina CE, Sacconi L, Smith G, Stengl M, Thomas D, Zaza A, Remme CA, Heijman J. ESC working group on cardiac cellular electrophysiology position paper: relevance, opportunities, and limitations of experimental models for cardiac electrophysiology research. Europace 2021; 23:1795-1814. [PMID: 34313298 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias are a major cause of death and disability. A large number of experimental cell and animal models have been developed to study arrhythmogenic diseases. These models have provided important insights into the underlying arrhythmia mechanisms and translational options for their therapeutic management. This position paper from the ESC Working Group on Cardiac Cellular Electrophysiology provides an overview of (i) currently available in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo electrophysiological research methodologies, (ii) the most commonly used experimental (cellular and animal) models for cardiac arrhythmias including relevant species differences, (iii) the use of human cardiac tissue, induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived and in silico models to study cardiac arrhythmias, and (iv) the availability, relevance, limitations, and opportunities of these cellular and animal models to recapitulate specific acquired and inherited arrhythmogenic diseases, including atrial fibrillation, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, sinus node, and conduction disorders and channelopathies. By promoting a better understanding of these models and their limitations, this position paper aims to improve the quality of basic research in cardiac electrophysiology, with the ultimate goal to facilitate the clinical translation and application of basic electrophysiological research findings on arrhythmia mechanisms and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja E Odening
- Translational Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute of Physiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ana-Maria Gomez
- Signaling and cardiovascular pathophysiology-UMR-S 1180, Inserm, Université Paris-Saclay, 92296 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Larissa Fabritz
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Frank R Heinzel
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matteo E Mangoni
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Cristina E Molina
- Institute of Experimental Cardiovascular Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site, Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Leonardo Sacconi
- National Institute of Optics and European Laboratory for Non Linear Spectroscopy, Italy.,Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Freiburg, Germany
| | - Godfrey Smith
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Milan Stengl
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Dierk Thomas
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Center for Heart Rhythm Disorders (HCR), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site, Heidelberg/Mannheim, Germany
| | - Antonio Zaza
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Carol Ann Remme
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jordi Heijman
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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6
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Ion current profiles in canine ventricular myocytes obtained by the "onion peeling" technique. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2021; 158:153-162. [PMID: 34089737 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2021.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The profiles of ion currents during the cardiac action potential can be visualized by the action potential voltage clamp technique. To obtain multiple ion current data from the same cell, the "onion peeling" technique, based on sequential pharmacological dissection of ion currents, has to be applied. Combination of the two methods allows recording of several ion current profiles from the same myocyte under largely physiological conditions. Using this approach, we have studied the densities and integrals of the major cardiac inward (ICa, INCX, INa-late) and outward (IKr, IKs, IK1) currents in canine ventricular cells and studied the correlation between them. For this purpose, canine ventricular cardiomyocytes were chosen because their electrophysiological properties are similar to those of human ones. Significant positive correlation was observed between the density and integral of ICa and IKr, and positive correlation was found also between the integral of ICa and INCX. No further correlations were detected. The Ca2+-sensitivity of K+ currents was studied by comparing their parameters in the case of normal calcium homeostasis and following blockade of ICa. Out of the three K+ currents studied, only IKs was Ca2+-sensitive. The density and integral of IKs was significantly greater, while its time-to-peak value was shorter at normal Ca2+ cycling than following ICa blockade. No differences were detected for IKr or IK1 in this regard. Present results indicate that the positive correlation between ICa and IKr prominently contribute to the balance between inward and outward fluxes during the action potential plateau in canine myocytes. The results also suggest that the profiles of cardiac ion currents have to be studied under physiological conditions, since their behavior may strongly be influenced by the intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and the applied membrane potential protocol.
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7
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Clerx M, Mirams GR, Rogers AJ, Narayan SM, Giles WR. Immediate and Delayed Response of Simulated Human Atrial Myocytes to Clinically-Relevant Hypokalemia. Front Physiol 2021; 12:651162. [PMID: 34122128 PMCID: PMC8188899 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.651162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although plasma electrolyte levels are quickly and precisely regulated in the mammalian cardiovascular system, even small transient changes in K+, Na+, Ca2+, and/or Mg2+ can significantly alter physiological responses in the heart, blood vessels, and intrinsic (intracardiac) autonomic nervous system. We have used mathematical models of the human atrial action potential (AP) to explore the electrophysiological mechanisms that underlie changes in resting potential (Vr) and the AP following decreases in plasma K+, [K+]o, that were selected to mimic clinical hypokalemia. Such changes may be associated with arrhythmias and are commonly encountered in patients (i) in therapy for hypertension and heart failure; (ii) undergoing renal dialysis; (iii) with any disease with acid-base imbalance; or (iv) post-operatively. Our study emphasizes clinically-relevant hypokalemic conditions, corresponding to [K+]o reductions of approximately 1.5 mM from the normal value of 4 to 4.5 mM. We show how the resulting electrophysiological responses in human atrial myocytes progress within two distinct time frames: (i) Immediately after [K+]o is reduced, the K+-sensing mechanism of the background inward rectifier current (IK1) responds. Specifically, its highly non-linear current-voltage relationship changes significantly as judged by the voltage dependence of its region of outward current. This rapidly alters, and sometimes even depolarizes, Vr and can also markedly prolong the final repolarization phase of the AP, thus modulating excitability and refractoriness. (ii) A second much slower electrophysiological response (developing 5-10 minutes after [K+]o is reduced) results from alterations in the intracellular electrolyte balance. A progressive shift in intracellular [Na+]i causes a change in the outward electrogenic current generated by the Na+/K+ pump, thereby modifying Vr and AP repolarization and changing the human atrial electrophysiological substrate. In this study, these two effects were investigated quantitatively, using seven published models of the human atrial AP. This highlighted the important role of IK1 rectification when analyzing both the mechanisms by which [K+]o regulates Vr and how the AP waveform may contribute to "trigger" mechanisms within the proarrhythmic substrate. Our simulations complement and extend previous studies aimed at understanding key factors by which decreases in [K+]o can produce effects that are known to promote atrial arrhythmias in human hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Clerx
- Centre for Mathematical Medicine and Biology, School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Gary R Mirams
- Centre for Mathematical Medicine and Biology, School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Albert J Rogers
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Sanjiv M Narayan
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Wayne R Giles
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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8
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Varró A, Tomek J, Nagy N, Virág L, Passini E, Rodriguez B, Baczkó I. Cardiac transmembrane ion channels and action potentials: cellular physiology and arrhythmogenic behavior. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:1083-1176. [PMID: 33118864 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00024.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias are among the leading causes of mortality. They often arise from alterations in the electrophysiological properties of cardiac cells and their underlying ionic mechanisms. It is therefore critical to further unravel the pathophysiology of the ionic basis of human cardiac electrophysiology in health and disease. In the first part of this review, current knowledge on the differences in ion channel expression and properties of the ionic processes that determine the morphology and properties of cardiac action potentials and calcium dynamics from cardiomyocytes in different regions of the heart are described. Then the cellular mechanisms promoting arrhythmias in congenital or acquired conditions of ion channel function (electrical remodeling) are discussed. The focus is on human-relevant findings obtained with clinical, experimental, and computational studies, given that interspecies differences make the extrapolation from animal experiments to human clinical settings difficult. Deepening the understanding of the diverse pathophysiology of human cellular electrophysiology will help in developing novel and effective antiarrhythmic strategies for specific subpopulations and disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Varró
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,MTA-SZTE Cardiovascular Pharmacology Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Jakub Tomek
- Department of Computer Science, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Norbert Nagy
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,MTA-SZTE Cardiovascular Pharmacology Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Virág
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Elisa Passini
- Department of Computer Science, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Blanca Rodriguez
- Department of Computer Science, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - István Baczkó
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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Bartolucci C, Passini E, Hyttinen J, Paci M, Severi S. Simulation of the Effects of Extracellular Calcium Changes Leads to a Novel Computational Model of Human Ventricular Action Potential With a Revised Calcium Handling. Front Physiol 2020; 11:314. [PMID: 32351400 PMCID: PMC7174690 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of electrolyte concentrations for cardiac function is well established. Electrolyte variations can lead to arrhythmias onset, due to their important role in the action potential (AP) genesis and in maintaining cell homeostasis. However, most of the human AP computer models available in literature were developed with constant electrolyte concentrations, and fail to simulate physiological changes induced by electrolyte variations. This is especially true for Ca2+, even in the O'Hara-Rudy model (ORd), one of the most widely used models in cardiac electrophysiology. Therefore, the present work develops a new human ventricular model (BPS2020), based on ORd, able to simulate the inverse dependence of AP duration (APD) on extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o), and APD rate dependence at 4 mM extracellular K+. The main changes needed with respect to ORd are: (i) an increased sensitivity of L-type Ca2+ current inactivation to [Ca2+]o; (ii) a single compartment description of the sarcoplasmic reticulum; iii) the replacement of Ca2+ release. BPS2020 is able to simulate the physiological APD-[Ca2+]o relationship, while also retaining the well-reproduced properties of ORd (APD rate dependence, restitution, accommodation and current block effects). We also used BPS2020 to generate an experimentally-calibrated population of models to investigate: (i) the occurrence of repolarization abnormalities in response to hERG current block; (ii) the rate adaptation variability; (iii) the occurrence of alternans and delayed after-depolarizations at fast pacing. Our results indicate that we successfully developed an improved version of ORd, which can be used to investigate electrophysiological changes and pro-arrhythmic abnormalities induced by electrolyte variations and current block at multiple rates and at the population level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bartolucci
- Computational Physiopathology Unit, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi”, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Elisa Passini
- Computational Physiopathology Unit, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi”, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jari Hyttinen
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Michelangelo Paci
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Stefano Severi
- Computational Physiopathology Unit, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi”, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
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10
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Cardiomyocyte calcium handling in health and disease: Insights from in vitro and in silico studies. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 157:54-75. [PMID: 32188566 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2020.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) plays a central role in cardiomyocyte excitation-contraction coupling. To ensure an optimal electrical impulse propagation and cardiac contraction, Ca2+ levels are regulated by a variety of Ca2+-handling proteins. In turn, Ca2+ modulates numerous electrophysiological processes. Accordingly, Ca2+-handling abnormalities can promote cardiac arrhythmias via various mechanisms, including the promotion of afterdepolarizations, ion-channel modulation and structural remodeling. In the last 30 years, significant improvements have been made in the computational modeling of cardiomyocyte Ca2+ handling under physiological and pathological conditions. However, numerous questions involving the Ca2+-dependent regulation of different macromolecular complexes, cross-talk between Ca2+-dependent regulatory pathways operating over a wide range of time scales, and bidirectional interactions between electrophysiology and mechanics remain to be addressed by in vitro and in silico studies. A better understanding of disease-specific Ca2+-dependent proarrhythmic mechanisms may facilitate the development of improved therapeutic strategies. In this review, we describe the fundamental mechanisms of cardiomyocyte Ca2+ handling in health and disease, and provide an overview of currently available computational models for cardiomyocyte Ca2+ handling. Finally, we discuss important uncertainties and open questions about cardiomyocyte Ca2+ handling and highlight how synergy between in vitro and in silico studies may help to answer several of these issues.
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11
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Zaitsev AV, Torres NS, Cawley KM, Sabry AD, Warren JS, Warren M. Conduction in the right and left ventricle is differentially regulated by protein kinases and phosphatases: implications for arrhythmogenesis. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2019; 316:H1507-H1527. [PMID: 30875259 PMCID: PMC6620685 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00660.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The "stress" kinases cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), phosphorylate the Na+ channel Nav1.5 subunit to regulate its function. However, how the channel regulation translates to ventricular conduction is poorly understood. We hypothesized that the stress kinases positively and differentially regulate conduction in the right (RV) and the left (LV) ventricles. We applied the CaMKII blocker KN93 (2.75 μM), PKA blocker H89 (10 μM), and broad-acting phosphatase blocker calyculin (30 nM) in rabbit hearts paced at a cycle length (CL) of 150-8,000 ms. We used optical mapping to determine the distribution of local conduction delays (inverse of conduction velocity). Control hearts exhibited constant and uniform conduction at all tested CLs. Calyculin (15-min perfusion) accelerated conduction, with greater effect in the RV (by 15.3%) than in the LV (by 4.1%; P < 0.05). In contrast, both KN93 and H89 slowed down conduction in a chamber-, time-, and CL-dependent manner, with the strongest effect in the RV outflow tract (RVOT). Combined KN93 and H89 synergistically promoted conduction slowing in the RV (KN93: 24.7%; H89: 29.9%; and KN93 + H89: 114.2%; P = 0.0016) but not the LV. The progressive depression of RV conduction led to conduction block and reentrant arrhythmias. Protein expression levels of both the CaMKII-δ isoform and the PKA catalytic subunit were higher in the RVOT than in the apical LV (P < 0.05). Thus normal RV conduction requires a proper balance between kinase and phosphatase activity. Dysregulation of this balance due to pharmacological interventions or disease is potentially proarrhythmic. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We show that uniform ventricular conduction requires a precise physiological balance of the activities of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), PKA, and phosphatases, which involves region-specific expression of CaMKII and PKA. Inhibiting CaMKII and/or PKA activity elicits nonuniform conduction depression, with the right ventricle becoming vulnerable to the development of conduction disturbances and ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey V Zaitsev
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Natalia S Torres
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Keiko M Cawley
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Amira D Sabry
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Junco S Warren
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Mark Warren
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah
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Hegyi B, Bers DM, Bossuyt J. CaMKII signaling in heart diseases: Emerging role in diabetic cardiomyopathy. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2019; 127:246-259. [PMID: 30633874 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is upregulated in diabetes and significantly contributes to cardiac remodeling with increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias. Diabetes is frequently associated with atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, and heart failure, which may further enhance CaMKII. Activation of CaMKII occurs downstream of neurohormonal stimulation (e.g. via G-protein coupled receptors) and involve various posttranslational modifications including autophosphorylation, oxidation, S-nitrosylation and O-GlcNAcylation. CaMKII signaling regulates diverse cellular processes in a spatiotemporal manner including excitation-contraction and excitation-transcription coupling, mechanics and energetics in cardiac myocytes. Chronic activation of CaMKII results in cellular remodeling and ultimately arrhythmogenic alterations in Ca2+ handling, ion channels, cell-to-cell coupling and metabolism. This review addresses the detrimental effects of the upregulated CaMKII signaling to enhance the arrhythmogenic substrate and trigger mechanisms in the heart. We also briefly summarize preclinical studies using kinase inhibitors and genetically modified mice targeting CaMKII in diabetes. The mechanistic understanding of CaMKII signaling, cardiac remodeling and arrhythmia mechanisms may reveal new therapeutic targets and ultimately better treatment in diabetes and heart disease in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bence Hegyi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Donald M Bers
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Julie Bossuyt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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13
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Shugg T, Johnson DE, Shao M, Lai X, Witzmann F, Cummins TR, Rubart-Von-der Lohe M, Hudmon A, Overholser BR. Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II regulation of I Ks during sustained β-adrenergic receptor stimulation. Heart Rhythm 2018; 15:895-904. [PMID: 29410121 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2018.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sustained β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) stimulation causes pathophysiological changes during heart failure (HF), including inhibition of the slow component of the delayed rectifier potassium current (IKs). Aberrant calcium handling, including increased activation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), contributes to arrhythmia development during HF. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate CaMKII regulation of KCNQ1 (pore-forming subunit of IKs) during sustained β-AR stimulation and associated functional implications on IKs. METHODS KCNQ1 phosphorylation was assessed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry after sustained β-AR stimulation with isoproterenol (ISO). Peptide fragments corresponding to KCNQ1 residues were synthesized to identify CaMKII phosphorylation at the identified sites. Dephosphorylated (alanine) and phosphorylated (aspartic acid) mimics were introduced at identified residues. Whole-cell, voltage-clamp experiments were performed in human endothelial kidney 293 cells coexpressing wild-type or mutant KCNQ1 and KCNE1 (auxiliary subunit) during ISO treatment or lentiviral δCaMKII overexpression. RESULTS Novel KCNQ1 carboxy-terminal sites were identified with enhanced phosphorylation during sustained β-AR stimulation at T482 and S484. S484 peptides demonstrated the strongest δCaMKII phosphorylation. Sustained β-AR stimulation reduced IKs activation (P = .02 vs control) similar to the phosphorylated mimic (P = .62 vs sustained β-AR). Individual phosphorylated mimics at S484 (P = .04) but not at T482 (P = .17) reduced IKs function. Treatment with CN21 (CaMKII inhibitor) reversed the reductions in IKs vs CN21-Alanine control (P < .01). δCaMKII overexpression reduced IKs similar to ISO treatment in wild type (P < .01) but not in the dephosphorylated S484 mimic (P = .99). CONCLUSION CaMKII regulates KCNQ1 at S484 during sustained β-AR stimulation to inhibit IKs. The ability of CaMKII to inhibit IKs may contribute to arrhythmogenicity during HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Shugg
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Derrick E Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Minghai Shao
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Xianyin Lai
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Frank Witzmann
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Theodore R Cummins
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Michael Rubart-Von-der Lohe
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Andy Hudmon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Brian R Overholser
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.
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14
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Hegyi B, Bossuyt J, Ginsburg KS, Mendoza LM, Talken L, Ferrier WT, Pogwizd SM, Izu LT, Chen-Izu Y, Bers DM. Altered Repolarization Reserve in Failing Rabbit Ventricular Myocytes: Calcium and β-Adrenergic Effects on Delayed- and Inward-Rectifier Potassium Currents. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2018; 11:e005852. [PMID: 29437761 PMCID: PMC5813707 DOI: 10.1161/circep.117.005852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electrophysiological remodeling and increased susceptibility for cardiac arrhythmias are hallmarks of heart failure (HF). Ventricular action potential duration (APD) is typically prolonged in HF, with reduced repolarization reserve. However, underlying K+ current changes are often measured in nonphysiological conditions (voltage clamp, low pacing rates, cytosolic Ca2+ buffers). METHODS AND RESULTS We measured the major K+ currents (IKr, IKs, and IK1) and their Ca2+- and β-adrenergic dependence in rabbit ventricular myocytes in chronic pressure/volume overload-induced HF (versus age-matched controls). APD was significantly prolonged only at lower pacing rates (0.2-1 Hz) in HF under physiological ionic conditions and temperature. However, when cytosolic Ca2+ was buffered, APD prolongation in HF was also significant at higher pacing rates. Beat-to-beat variability of APD was also significantly increased in HF. Both IKr and IKs were significantly upregulated in HF under action potential clamp, but only when cytosolic Ca2+ was not buffered. CaMKII (Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II) inhibition abolished IKs upregulation in HF, but it did not affect IKr. IKs response to β-adrenergic stimulation was also significantly diminished in HF. IK1 was also decreased in HF regardless of Ca2+ buffering, CaMKII inhibition, or β-adrenergic stimulation. CONCLUSIONS At baseline Ca2+-dependent upregulation of IKr and IKs in HF counterbalances the reduced IK1, maintaining repolarization reserve (especially at higher heart rates) in physiological conditions, unlike conditions of strong cytosolic Ca2+ buffering. However, under β-adrenergic stimulation, reduced IKs responsiveness severely limits integrated repolarizing K+ current and repolarization reserve in HF. This would increase arrhythmia propensity in HF, especially during adrenergic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bence Hegyi
- From the Department of Pharmacology (B.H., J.B., K.S.G., L.T.I., Y.C.-I., D.M.B.), School of Medicine, Dean's Office (L.T.), Surgical Research Facility, School of Medicine (W.T.F.), Department of Biomedical Engineering (Y.C.-I.), Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology (Y.C.-I.), University of California, Davis; Echocardiography Laboratory, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento (L.M.M.); and Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham (S.M.P.)
| | - Julie Bossuyt
- From the Department of Pharmacology (B.H., J.B., K.S.G., L.T.I., Y.C.-I., D.M.B.), School of Medicine, Dean's Office (L.T.), Surgical Research Facility, School of Medicine (W.T.F.), Department of Biomedical Engineering (Y.C.-I.), Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology (Y.C.-I.), University of California, Davis; Echocardiography Laboratory, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento (L.M.M.); and Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham (S.M.P.)
| | - Kenneth S Ginsburg
- From the Department of Pharmacology (B.H., J.B., K.S.G., L.T.I., Y.C.-I., D.M.B.), School of Medicine, Dean's Office (L.T.), Surgical Research Facility, School of Medicine (W.T.F.), Department of Biomedical Engineering (Y.C.-I.), Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology (Y.C.-I.), University of California, Davis; Echocardiography Laboratory, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento (L.M.M.); and Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham (S.M.P.)
| | - Lynette M Mendoza
- From the Department of Pharmacology (B.H., J.B., K.S.G., L.T.I., Y.C.-I., D.M.B.), School of Medicine, Dean's Office (L.T.), Surgical Research Facility, School of Medicine (W.T.F.), Department of Biomedical Engineering (Y.C.-I.), Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology (Y.C.-I.), University of California, Davis; Echocardiography Laboratory, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento (L.M.M.); and Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham (S.M.P.)
| | - Linda Talken
- From the Department of Pharmacology (B.H., J.B., K.S.G., L.T.I., Y.C.-I., D.M.B.), School of Medicine, Dean's Office (L.T.), Surgical Research Facility, School of Medicine (W.T.F.), Department of Biomedical Engineering (Y.C.-I.), Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology (Y.C.-I.), University of California, Davis; Echocardiography Laboratory, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento (L.M.M.); and Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham (S.M.P.)
| | - William T Ferrier
- From the Department of Pharmacology (B.H., J.B., K.S.G., L.T.I., Y.C.-I., D.M.B.), School of Medicine, Dean's Office (L.T.), Surgical Research Facility, School of Medicine (W.T.F.), Department of Biomedical Engineering (Y.C.-I.), Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology (Y.C.-I.), University of California, Davis; Echocardiography Laboratory, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento (L.M.M.); and Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham (S.M.P.)
| | - Steven M Pogwizd
- From the Department of Pharmacology (B.H., J.B., K.S.G., L.T.I., Y.C.-I., D.M.B.), School of Medicine, Dean's Office (L.T.), Surgical Research Facility, School of Medicine (W.T.F.), Department of Biomedical Engineering (Y.C.-I.), Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology (Y.C.-I.), University of California, Davis; Echocardiography Laboratory, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento (L.M.M.); and Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham (S.M.P.)
| | - Leighton T Izu
- From the Department of Pharmacology (B.H., J.B., K.S.G., L.T.I., Y.C.-I., D.M.B.), School of Medicine, Dean's Office (L.T.), Surgical Research Facility, School of Medicine (W.T.F.), Department of Biomedical Engineering (Y.C.-I.), Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology (Y.C.-I.), University of California, Davis; Echocardiography Laboratory, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento (L.M.M.); and Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham (S.M.P.)
| | - Ye Chen-Izu
- From the Department of Pharmacology (B.H., J.B., K.S.G., L.T.I., Y.C.-I., D.M.B.), School of Medicine, Dean's Office (L.T.), Surgical Research Facility, School of Medicine (W.T.F.), Department of Biomedical Engineering (Y.C.-I.), Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology (Y.C.-I.), University of California, Davis; Echocardiography Laboratory, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento (L.M.M.); and Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham (S.M.P.)
| | - Donald M Bers
- From the Department of Pharmacology (B.H., J.B., K.S.G., L.T.I., Y.C.-I., D.M.B.), School of Medicine, Dean's Office (L.T.), Surgical Research Facility, School of Medicine (W.T.F.), Department of Biomedical Engineering (Y.C.-I.), Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology (Y.C.-I.), University of California, Davis; Echocardiography Laboratory, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento (L.M.M.); and Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham (S.M.P.).
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15
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Takanari H, Fontes MSC, van der Heyden MAG, Vos MA, van Veen TAB. Response to the letter from Warren et al. Cardiovasc Res 2017; 113:1799-1800. [PMID: 29036544 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvx200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Takanari
- Clinical Research Center for Diabetes, Tokushima University Hospital, 2-50-1 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Magda S C Fontes
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Heart Lung Center Leiden, Albinusdreef 2, 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands and Division of Heart & Lungs, Department of Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Yalelaan 50, 3584CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel A G van der Heyden
- Division of Heart & Lungs, Department of Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Yalelaan 50, 3584CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc A Vos
- Division of Heart & Lungs, Department of Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Yalelaan 50, 3584CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Toon A B van Veen
- Division of Heart & Lungs, Department of Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Yalelaan 50, 3584CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
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16
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Walker MA, Gurev V, Rice JJ, Greenstein JL, Winslow RL. Estimating the probabilities of rare arrhythmic events in multiscale computational models of cardiac cells and tissue. PLoS Comput Biol 2017; 13:e1005783. [PMID: 29145393 PMCID: PMC5689829 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ectopic heartbeats can trigger reentrant arrhythmias, leading to ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. Such events have been attributed to perturbed Ca2+ handling in cardiac myocytes leading to spontaneous Ca2+ release and delayed afterdepolarizations (DADs). However, the ways in which perturbation of specific molecular mechanisms alters the probability of ectopic beats is not understood. We present a multiscale model of cardiac tissue incorporating a biophysically detailed three-dimensional model of the ventricular myocyte. This model reproduces realistic Ca2+ waves and DADs driven by stochastic Ca2+ release channel (RyR) gating and is used to study mechanisms of DAD variability. In agreement with previous experimental and modeling studies, key factors influencing the distribution of DAD amplitude and timing include cytosolic and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ concentrations, inwardly rectifying potassium current (IK1) density, and gap junction conductance. The cardiac tissue model is used to investigate how random RyR gating gives rise to probabilistic triggered activity in a one-dimensional myocyte tissue model. A novel spatial-average filtering method for estimating the probability of extreme (i.e. rare, high-amplitude) stochastic events from a limited set of spontaneous Ca2+ release profiles is presented. These events occur when randomly organized clusters of cells exhibit synchronized, high amplitude Ca2+ release flux. It is shown how reduced IK1 density and gap junction coupling, as observed in heart failure, increase the probability of extreme DADs by multiple orders of magnitude. This method enables prediction of arrhythmia likelihood and its modulation by alterations of other cellular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Walker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Computational Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Viatcheslav Gurev
- TJ Watson Research Center, IBM, Yorktown Heights, NY, United States of America
| | - John J. Rice
- TJ Watson Research Center, IBM, Yorktown Heights, NY, United States of America
| | - Joseph L. Greenstein
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Computational Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Raimond L. Winslow
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Computational Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
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17
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Ji Y, Varkevisser R, Opacic D, Bossu A, Kuiper M, Beekman JDM, Yang S, Khan AP, Dobrev D, Voigt N, Wang MZ, Verheule S, Vos MA, van der Heyden MAG. The inward rectifier current inhibitor PA-6 terminates atrial fibrillation and does not cause ventricular arrhythmias in goat and dog models. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:2576-2590. [PMID: 28542844 PMCID: PMC5513871 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose The density of the inward rectifier current (IK1) increases in atrial fibrillation (AF), shortening effective refractory period and thus promoting atrial re‐entry. The synthetic compound pentamidine analogue 6 (PA‐6) is a selective and potent IK1 inhibitor. We tested PA‐6 for anti‐AF efficacy and potential proarrhythmia, using established models in large animals. Experimental Approach PA‐6 was applied i.v. in anaesthetized goats with rapid pacing‐induced AF and anaesthetized dogs with chronic atrio‐ventricular (AV) block. Electrophysiological and pharmacological parameters were determined. Key Results PA‐6 (2.5 mg·kg−1·10 min−1) induced cardioversion to sinus rhythm (SR) in 5/6 goats and prolonged AF cycle length. AF complexity decreased significantly before cardioversion. PA‐6 accumulated in cardiac tissue with ratios between skeletal muscle : atrial muscle : ventricular muscle of approximately 1:8:21. In SR dogs, PA‐6 peak plasma levels 10 min post infusion were 5.5 ± 0.9 μM, PA‐6 did not induce significant prolongation of QTc and did not affect heart rate, PQ or QRS duration. In dogs with chronic AV block, PA‐6 did not affect QRS but lengthened QTc during the experiment, but not chronically. PA‐6 did not induce TdP arrhythmias in nine animals (0/9) in contrast to dofetilide (5/9). PA‐6 (200 nM) inhibited IK1, but not IK,ACh, in human isolated atrial cardiomyocytes. Conclusion and Implications PA‐6 restored SR in goats with persistent AF and, in dogs with chronic AV block, prolonged QT intervals, without inducing TdP arrhythmias. Our results demonstrate cardiac safety and good anti‐AF properties for PA‐6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Ji
- Department of Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rosanne Varkevisser
- Department of Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dragan Opacic
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Alexandre Bossu
- Department of Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marion Kuiper
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jet D M Beekman
- Department of Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sihyung Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Azinwi Phina Khan
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Niels Voigt
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael Zhuo Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Sander Verheule
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc A Vos
- Department of Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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18
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Klein MG, Shou M, Stohlman J, Solhjoo S, Haigney M, Tidwell RR, Goldstein RE, Flagg TP, Haigney MC. Role of suppression of the inward rectifier current in terminal action potential repolarization in the failing heart. Heart Rhythm 2017; 14:1217-1223. [PMID: 28396172 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The failing heart exhibits an increased arrhythmia susceptibility that is often attributed to action potential (AP) prolongation due to significant ion channel remodeling. The inwardly rectifying K+ current (IK1) has been reported to be reduced, but its contribution to shaping the AP waveform and cell excitability in the failing heart remains unclear. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to define the effect of IK1 suppression on the cardiac AP and excitability in the normal and failing hearts. METHODS We used electrophysiological and pharmacological approaches to investigate IK1 function in a swine tachy-pacing model of heart failure (HF). RESULTS Terminal repolarization of the AP (TRAP; the time constant of the exponential fit to terminal repolarization) was markedly prolonged in both myocytes and arterially perfused wedges from animals with HF. TRAP was increased by 54.1% in HF myocytes (P < .001) and 26.2% in HF wedges (P = .014). The increase in TRAP was recapitulated by the potent and specific IK1 inhibitor, PA-6 (pentamidine analog 6), indicating that IK1 is the primary determinant of the final phase of repolarization. Moreover, we find that IK1 suppression reduced the ratio of effective refractory period to AP duration at 90% of repolarization, permitting re-excitation before full repolarization, reduction of AP upstroke velocity, and likely promotion of slow conduction. CONCLUSION Using an objective measure of terminal repolarization, we conclude that IK1 is the major determinant of the terminal repolarization time course. Moreover, suppression of IK1 prolongs repolarization and reduces postrepolarization refractoriness without marked effects on the overall AP duration. Collectively, these findings demonstrate how IK1 suppression may contribute to arrhythmogenesis in the failing heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Klein
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland.
| | - Matie Shou
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jayna Stohlman
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Soroosh Solhjoo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Myles Haigney
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Richard R Tidwell
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Robert E Goldstein
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Thomas P Flagg
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Mark C Haigney
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
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19
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Hoeker GS, Skarsfeldt MA, Jespersen T, Poelzing S. Electrophysiologic effects of the IK1 inhibitor PA-6 are modulated by extracellular potassium in isolated guinea pig hearts. Physiol Rep 2017; 5:e13120. [PMID: 28087819 PMCID: PMC5256165 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The pentamidine analog PA-6 was developed as a specific inward rectifier potassium current (IK1) antagonist, because established inhibitors either lack specificity or have side effects that prohibit their use in vivo. We previously demonstrated that BaCl2, an established IK1 inhibitor, could prolong action potential duration (APD) and increase cardiac conduction velocity (CV). However, few studies have addressed whether targeted IK1 inhibition similarly affects ventricular electrophysiology. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of PA-6 on cardiac repolarization and conduction in Langendorff-perfused guinea pig hearts. PA-6 (200 nm) or vehicle was perfused into ex-vivo guinea pig hearts for 60 min. Hearts were optically mapped with di-4-ANEPPS to quantify CV and APD at 90% repolarization (APD90). Ventricular APD90 was significantly prolonged in hearts treated with PA-6 (115 ± 2% of baseline; P < 0.05), but not vehicle (105 ± 2% of baseline). PA-6 slightly, but significantly, increased transverse CV by 7%. PA-6 significantly prolonged APD90 during hypokalemia (2 mmol/L [K+]o), although to a lesser degree than observed at 4.56 mmol/L [K+]o In contrast, the effect of PA-6 on CV was more pronounced during hypokalemia, where transverse CV with PA-6 (24 ± 2 cm/sec) was significantly faster than with vehicle (13 ± 3 cm/sec, P < 0.05). These results show that under normokalemic conditions, PA-6 significantly prolonged APD90, whereas its effect on CV was modest. During hypokalemia, PA-6 prolonged APD90 to a lesser degree, but profoundly increased CV Thus, in intact guinea pig hearts, the electrophysiologic effects of the IK1 inhibitor, PA-6, are [K+]o-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory S Hoeker
- Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Center for Heart and Regenerative Medicine, Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Mark A Skarsfeldt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Jespersen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steven Poelzing
- Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Center for Heart and Regenerative Medicine, Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia
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20
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Effects of zacopride, a moderate I K1 channel agonist, on triggered arrhythmia and contractility in human ventricular myocardium. Pharmacol Res 2016; 115:309-318. [PMID: 27914945 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Ventricular tachycardia is the leading cause of sudden arrhythmic death in the U.S. Recently, the moderate IK1 channel activator, zacopride, was shown to suppress triggered ventricular tachycardia in rats. Nonetheless, concerns were raised about the possibility of pro-arrhythmic activity after IK1 channel stimulation based on the promising anti-arrhythmic strategy of IK1 blockade in other animal models. Therefore, the goal of the current study was to investigate the ex-vivo effects of zacopride on triggered arrhythmia and contractility in ventricular human myocardium in order to validate data that was solely obtained from animal models. Application of 100nmol/L isoproterenol and 0.5mmol/L caffeine led to triggered arrhythmia in isolated cardiac muscles from non-failing and end-stage failing hearts. However, the occurrence of arrhythmia in muscles of non-failing hearts was markedly higher than those of end-stage failing hearts. Interestingly, zacopride eliminated the ex-vivo triggered arrhythmia in these muscles of non-failing and failing hearts in a concentration-dependent manner, with an effective IC50 in the range of 28-40μmol/L. Conversely, in the absence of isoproterenol/caffeine, zacopride led to a negative inotropic effect in a concentration-dependent manner. Reduced cardiac contraction was clearly observed at high zacopride concentration of 200μmol/L, along with the occurrence of contractile alternans in muscles of non-failing and failing hearts. Zacopride shows promising antiarrhythmic effects against triggered arrhythmia in human ventricular myocardium. However, in the absence of Ca2+ overload/arrhythmia, zacopride, albeit at high concentrations, decreases the force of contraction and increases the likelihood of occurrence of contractile alternans, which may predispose the heart to contractile dysfunction and/or arrhythmia. Overall, our results represent a key step in translating this drug from the benchtop to the bedside in the research area.
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van der Heyden MA, Jespersen T. Pharmacological exploration of the resting membrane potential reserve: Impact on atrial fibrillation. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 771:56-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Winter J, Shattock MJ. Geometrical considerations in cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmogenesis. Europace 2015; 18:320-31. [PMID: 26585597 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euv307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The rate of repolarization (RRepol) and so the duration of the cardiac action potential are determined by the balance of inward and outward currents across the cardiac membrane (net ionic current). Plotting action potential duration (APD) as a function of the RRepol reveals an inverse non-linear relationship, arising from the geometric association between these two factors. From the RRepol-APD relationship, it can be observed that a longer action potential will exhibit a greater propensity to shorten, or prolong, for a given change in the RRepol (i.e. net ionic current), when compared with one that is initially shorter. This observation has recently been used to explain why so many interventions that prolong the action potential exert a greater effect at slow rates (reverse rate-dependence). In this article, we will discuss the broader implications of this simple principle and examine how common experimental observations on the electrical behaviour of the myocardium may be explained in terms of the RRepol-APD relationship. An argument is made, with supporting published evidence, that the non-linear relationship between the RRepol and APD is a fundamental, and largely overlooked, property of the myocardium. The RRepol-APD relationship appears to explain why interventions and disease with seemingly disparate mechanisms of action have similar electrophysiological consequences. Furthermore, the RRepol-APD relationship predicts that prolongation of the action potential, by slowing repolarization, will promote conditions of dynamic electrical instability, exacerbating several electrophysiological phenomena associated with arrhythmogenesis, namely, the rate dependence of dispersion of repolarization, APD restitution, and electrical alternans.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Winter
- Cardiovascular Division, The Rayne Institute, 4th Floor, Lambeth Wing, St Thomas' Hospital, King's College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Michael J Shattock
- Cardiovascular Division, The Rayne Institute, 4th Floor, Lambeth Wing, St Thomas' Hospital, King's College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
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Nagy N, Kormos A, Kohajda Z, Szebeni Á, Szepesi J, Pollesello P, Levijoki J, Acsai K, Virág L, Nánási PP, Papp JG, Varró A, Tóth A. Selective Na(+) /Ca(2+) exchanger inhibition prevents Ca(2+) overload-induced triggered arrhythmias. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 171:5665-81. [PMID: 25073832 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Augmented Na(+) /Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) activity may play a crucial role in cardiac arrhythmogenesis; however, data regarding the anti-arrhythmic efficacy of NCX inhibition are debatable. Feasible explanations could be the unsatisfactory selectivity of NCX inhibitors and/or the dependence of the experimental model on the degree of Ca(2+) i overload. Hence, we used NCX inhibitors SEA0400 and the more selective ORM10103 to evaluate the efficacy of NCX inhibition against arrhythmogenic Ca(2+) i rise in conditions when [Ca(2+) ]i was augmented via activation of the late sodium current (INaL ) or inhibition of the Na(+) /K(+) pump. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Action potentials (APs) were recorded from canine papillary muscles and Purkinje fibres by microelectrodes. NCX current (INCX ) was determined in ventricular cardiomyocytes utilizing the whole-cell patch clamp technique. Ca(2+) i transients (CaTs) were monitored with a Ca(2+) -sensitive fluorescent dye, Fluo-4. KEY RESULTS Enhanced INaL increased the Ca(2+) load and AP duration (APD). SEA0400 and ORM10103 suppressed INCX and prevented/reversed the anemone toxin II (ATX-II)-induced [Ca(2+) ]i rise without influencing APD, CaT or cell shortening, or affecting the ATX-II-induced increased APD. ORM10103 significantly decreased the number of strophanthidin-induced spontaneous diastolic Ca(2+) release events; however, SEA0400 failed to restrict the veratridine-induced augmentation in Purkinje-ventricle APD dispersion. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Selective NCX inhibition - presumably by blocking rev INCX (reverse mode NCX current) - is effective against arrhythmogenesis caused by [Na(+) ]i -induced [Ca(2+) ]i elevation, without influencing the AP waveform. Therefore, selective INCX inhibition, by significantly reducing the arrhythmogenic trigger activity caused by the perturbed Ca(2+) i handling, should be considered as a promising anti-arrhythmic therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Nagy
- MTA-SZTE Research Group of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
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Meijer van Putten RME, Mengarelli I, Guan K, Zegers JG, van Ginneken ACG, Verkerk AO, Wilders R. Ion channelopathies in human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes: a dynamic clamp study with virtual IK1. Front Physiol 2015; 6:7. [PMID: 25691870 PMCID: PMC4315032 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) are widely used in studying basic mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias that are caused by ion channelopathies. Unfortunately, the action potential profile of hiPSC-CMs-and consequently the profile of individual membrane currents active during that action potential-differs substantially from that of native human cardiomyocytes, largely due to almost negligible expression of the inward rectifier potassium current (IK1). In the present study, we attempted to "normalize" the action potential profile of our hiPSC-CMs by inserting a voltage dependent in silico IK1 into our hiPSC-CMs, using the dynamic clamp configuration of the patch clamp technique. Recordings were made from single hiPSC-CMs, using the perforated patch clamp technique at physiological temperature. We assessed three different models of IK1, with different degrees of inward rectification, and systematically varied the magnitude of the inserted IK1. Also, we modified the inserted IK1 in order to assess the effects of loss- and gain-of-function mutations in the KCNJ2 gene, which encodes the Kir2.1 protein that is primarily responsible for the IK1 channel in human ventricle. For our experiments, we selected spontaneously beating hiPSC-CMs, with negligible IK1 as demonstrated in separate voltage clamp experiments, which were paced at 1 Hz. Upon addition of in silico IK1 with a peak outward density of 4-6 pA/pF, these hiPSC-CMs showed a ventricular-like action potential morphology with a stable resting membrane potential near -80 mV and a maximum upstroke velocity >150 V/s (n = 9). Proarrhythmic action potential changes were observed upon injection of both loss-of-function and gain-of-function IK1, as associated with Andersen-Tawil syndrome type 1 and short QT syndrome type 3, respectively (n = 6). We conclude that injection of in silico IK1 makes the hiPSC-CM a more reliable model for investigating mechanisms underlying cardiac arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalie M E Meijer van Putten
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Physiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Isabella Mengarelli
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kaomei Guan
- Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, Georg-August-University of Göttingen Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jan G Zegers
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Physiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Antoni C G van Ginneken
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Physiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Arie O Verkerk
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Physiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ronald Wilders
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Physiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Human atrial cell models to analyse haemodialysis-related effects on cardiac electrophysiology: work in progress. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2014; 2014:291598. [PMID: 25587348 PMCID: PMC4284940 DOI: 10.1155/2014/291598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
During haemodialysis (HD) sessions, patients undergo alterations in the extracellular environment, mostly concerning plasma electrolyte concentrations, pH, and volume, together with a modification of sympathovagal balance. All these changes affect cardiac electrophysiology, possibly leading to an increased arrhythmic risk. Computational modeling may help to investigate the impact of HD-related changes on atrial electrophysiology. However, many different human atrial action potential (AP) models are currently available, all validated only with the standard electrolyte concentrations used in experiments. Therefore, they may respond in different ways to the same environmental changes. After an overview on how the computational approach has been used in the past to investigate the effect of HD therapy on cardiac electrophysiology, the aim of this work has been to assess the current state of the art in human atrial AP models, with respect to the HD context. All the published human atrial AP models have been considered and tested for electrolytes, volume changes, and different acetylcholine concentrations. Most of them proved to be reliable for single modifications, but all of them showed some drawbacks. Therefore, there is room for a new human atrial AP model, hopefully able to physiologically reproduce all the HD-related effects. At the moment, work is still in progress in this specific field.
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Mustroph J, Maier LS, Wagner S. CaMKII regulation of cardiac K channels. Front Pharmacol 2014; 5:20. [PMID: 24600393 PMCID: PMC3930912 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac K channels are critical determinants of cardiac excitability. In hypertrophied and failing myocardium, alterations in the expression and activity of voltage-gated K channels are frequently observed and contribute to the increased propensity for life-threatening arrhythmias. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of disturbed K channel regulation in heart failure (HF) is of critical importance. Amongst others, Ca/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) has been identified as an important regulator of K channel activity. In human HF but also various animal models, increased CaMKII expression and activity has been linked to deteriorated contractile function and arrhythmias. This review will discuss the current knowledge about CaMKII regulation of several K channels, its influence on action potential properties, dispersion of repolarization, and arrhythmias with special focus on HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Mustroph
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Göttingen Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lars S Maier
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Göttingen Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Wagner
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Göttingen Göttingen, Germany
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