In vivo electrophysiological characterization of TASK-1 deficient mice.

Background/aims: TASK-1 is a potassium channel predominantly expressed in heart and brain. We have previously shown that anesthetized TASK-1(-/-)mice have prolonged QT intervals in surface electrocardiograms (ECGs). In addition, heart rate variability quantified by time and frequency domain parameters was significantly altered in TASK-1(-/-) mice with a sympathetic preponderance.

Functional role of TASK-1 in the heart: studies in TASK-1-deficient mice show prolonged cardiac repolarization and reduced heart rate variability.

TASK-1, a member of the recently identified K2P channel family, is mainly expressed in the heart and the nervous system. TASK-1 is regulated by several physiological and pathological conditions and functions as a background potassium channel. However, there are limited data concerning the significance of TASK-1 in cardiac physiology.