Differential modulation of late sodium current by protein kinase A in R1623Q mutant of LQT3.

Aims: In the type 3 long QT syndrome (LQT3), shortening of the QT interval by overdrive pacing is used to prevent life-threatening arrhythmias. However, it is unclear whether accelerated heart rate induced by beta-adrenergic agents produces similar effects on the late sodium current (I(Na)) to those by overdrive pacing therapy. We analyzed the beta-adrenergic-like effects of protein kinase A and fluoride on I(Na) in R1623Q mutant channels.

Comparison of HERG channel blocking effects of various beta-blockers-- implication for clinical strategy.

beta-Blockers are widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, their effects on HERG channels at comparable conditions remain to be defined. We investigated the direct acute effects of beta-blockers on HERG current and the molecular basis of drug binding to HERG channels with mutations of putative common binding site (Y652A and F656C).

Right ventricular outflow tract endocardial pacing complicated by intercostal muscle twitching.

A recipient of a dual-chamber pacing system, with a bipolar endocardial lead screwed into the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), developed intercostal muscle twitching. No lead perforation was identified. This observation suggests that meticulous attention should be paid to this potential complication when choosing the RVOT as a site of permanent endocardial pacing.

[A case of Paragonimiasis westermanii complicated with migrating subcutaneous induration and multiple involvements in the liver].

A 33-year-old female was admitted to a hospital with chief complaints of abdominal pain, fever, cough and migrating subcutaneous induration. She had consumed half-cooked crabs 3 months ago. On admission, a mass in the abdominal wall, pleural effusion, a nodular shadow in the right upper lung on the chest X-ray and multiple low density areas in the liver on CT.