ABCC9 is a novel Brugada and early repolarization syndrome susceptibility gene.

Background: Genetic defects in KCNJ8, encoding the Kir6.1 subunit of the ATP-sensitive K(+) channel (I(K-ATP)), have previously been associated with early repolarization (ERS) and Brugada (BrS) syndromes. Here we test the hypothesis that genetic variants in ABCC9, encoding the ATP-binding cassette transporter of IK-ATP (SUR2A), are also associated with both BrS and ERS.

Influence of age and gender on the mechanism of supraventricular tachycardia.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the impact of age and gender on the mechanism of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT).

Background: Previous studies have indicated that PSVT mechanism may be influenced by age and gender, but contemporary data are limited.

Methods: In 1,754 patients undergoing catheter ablation of 1,856 PSVTs between 1991 and 2003, the mechanism was classified as atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT), atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), or atrial tachycardia (AT).

Electrophysiological characterization of cardiac veins in humans.

Background: The coronary sinus is a complex structure with a surrounding myocardial coat and muscle bundles that course within it. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the electrical activity of the coronary sinus (CS), great cardiac vein (GCV) and related structures, such as the Vein of Marshall (VOM).

Methods And Results: Data obtained from adult ( n = 114) and pediatric patients ( n = 16) were analyzed.

Alpha 2-Adrenergic stimulation is protective against ischemia-reperfusion-induced ventricular arrhythmias in vivo.

We previously reported that alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor (alpha(2)-AR) stimulation in Purkinje fibers in vitro prolongs action potential duration and suppresses beta-adrenergic-induced delayed afterdepolarizations and sustained triggered activities. We examined the effects of alpha(2)-AR stimulation on reperfusion-induced ventricular arrhythmias [ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF)] in vivo. Arterial blood pressure, heart rate, surface electrocardiogram, and renal sympathetic nerve activities were recorded simultaneously in Sprague-Dawley rats.