Electrical remodeling in hearts from a calcium-dependent mouse model of hypertrophy and failure: complex nature of K+ current changes and action potential duration.

Objectives: This study was designed to identify possible electrical remodeling (ER) in transgenic (Tg) mice with over-expressed L-type Ca(2+) channels. Transient outward K(+) current (I(to)) and action potential duration (APD) were studied in 2-, 4-, 8-, and 9- to 12-month-old mice to determine linkage to ventricular remodeling (VR), ER, and heart failure (HF).

Background: Prolongation of APD and reduction in current density of I(to) are thought to be hallmarks of VR and HF.