Gene Expression of L-type Calcium Channel α1c Subunit in the Atrial Tissue of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Objective To investigated themessenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of L -type calcium channelaic subunit in the atrial tissue of patients with atrial fibrillation due to rheumatic heart disease (RHD) . Methods A total of 50 patients with mitral valvular disease due to RHD were included. Atrial tissue was obtained during cardiac surgery in all patients from the right atrial appendage and the right atrial free wall, and in 35 patients of from the left atrial appendage, respectively. The mRNA amount of L -type calcium channel a1c subunit was measured by reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction and normalized to the mRNA levels of glyceraldehyde3 -phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) . Results The mRNA of L - type calcium channelaic subunit was significantly decreased in patients with persistent AF for more than 3 months compared to patients with sinus rhythm ( P all <o.o1). There were no difference of the mRNA expression of L - type calcium channelaic sub-unit among the three atrial tissue sampl