Protein And MRNA Expression Of Cx40 In Left Atrium And Crista Terminalis Of Patients Suffered From Rheumatic Heart Disease With Chronic Atrial Fibrillation

Objectives: To investigate the protein expression and mRNA expression of Cx40 in left atrium and crista terminalis of patients suffered from rheumatic heart disease with chronic atrial fibrillation. And evaluate the function of the remodeling of Cx40 in development and maintenance of atrial fibrillation in rheumatic heart disease. Methods: Two small pieces of myocardial specimens were acquired from left atrium -and crista terminalis respectively during the operation in 20 patients who need operation therapy for rheumatic mitral valve disease. Western blot and Irnmunohistochemistry were used to detect expression and location of Cx40 respectively. Cx40 mRNA expression was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR method. Results: Compared with sinus rhythm, Cx40 expression was decreased and the main type of Cx40 location was changed from end-end to side-side in chronic atrial fibrillation. These changes became more obvious as the duration of atrial fibrillation prolonged. But, the difference of Cx40 mRNA expression among the three groups had no statistical significance. Conclusions: The remodeling of Cx40 plays an important role in the development and maintenance of atrial fibrillation in rheumatic heart disease. And themechanism remains in the level after transcription of Cx40 gene.