Distinct lethal arrhythmias susceptibility is associated with sex-related difference in myocardial connexin-43 expression.

Objectives: To elucidate gender-related differences in occurrence of sudden cardiac death the myocardial connexin-43 (Cx43) and the susceptibility of male and female rat hearts to ventricular fibrillation (VF) were investigated.

Methods And Results: Ventricular tissues taken from male and female normotensive Wistar and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats were processed for immuno-fluorescence and immuno-blotting of Cx43. Susceptibility to ventricular fibrillation was examined in isolated heart preparation using either electrical stimulation or low K+ perfusion.