[Changes of open probability of large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels in diabetic coronary smooth muscle cells of rats].

Objective: To investigate the changes of open probability (Po) of large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel (BK channel) in diabetic coronary smooth muscle cells and elucidate the underlying cellular electrophysiology mechanisms of coronary dysfunction.

Methods: Rat coronary smooth muscle cells were isolated from control group and diabetic group. BK single channel currents were recorded by patch clamp technique in inside-out configuration.

[Evaluation of left ventricular function and twist in patients with diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy by speckle tracking imaging].

Objective: To evaluate left ventricular (LV) function and twist in patients with diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) by two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (STI).

Methods: STI was performed in 56 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) (35 with DM only: group A, 21 with CAN: group B) and 34 normal subjects (Control) from LV short-axis view. LV peak systolic, peak early (E') and peak late (A') diastolic circumferential strain in 18 myocardial segments were measured at the levels of mitral annulus, papillary muscle and apex and the rotation at mitral annulus and apex levels were also measured.