Reverse structural and gap-junctional remodeling after prolonged atrial fibrillation in the goat.

Background: Prolonged atrial fibrillation (AF) results in electrical, structural, and gap-junctional remodeling. We examined the reversibility of the changes in (ultra)structure and gap junctions.

Methods And Results: Four groups of goats were used: (1) sinus rhythm (SR), (2) 4 months' AF (4 mo AF), (3) 2 months' SR after 4 mo AF (2 mo post-AF), and (4) 4 months' SR after 4 mo AF (4 mo post-AF).

Analysis of altered gene expression during sustained atrial fibrillation in the goat.

Objective: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is characterised by electrical, gap junctional and structural remodelling. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of these phenomena are largely unknown. To get more insight into atrial remodelling at the molecular level we have analysed changes in gene expression during sustained AF in the goat.