A Study Of Atrial Structural Remodeling, ERG Protein Express And IKr Current In Rabbits With Experimental Hyperthyroidism

Objective:To study atrial structural remodeling, and the alteration of atrial ether-a-go-go–related gene (ERG) protein expression and Ikr current density in experimental hyperthyroidism induced by Levothyroxine (L-Thy).Methods:A rabbit model of hyperthyroidism was established by daily intraperitoneal injections of L-Thy (100μg/kg per day, 56 days). Twenty New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: control group (n=10), L-Thy group(n=10). All rabbits were followed for 8 weeks. Every 7 days body weight and temperature were measured. Serum TT3, FT3, TT4 and FT4 were measured with Radioimmunoassays (RIAs). Electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed to determine heart rate(HR). At the end of the follow-up period all rabbits underwent echocardiography and LAD, IVS, LVEDD and LVPW thickness were measured. Cardiac tissues were collected at 8 weeks. Ventricular quanlity index, cardiomyocyte diameter,...