Expression levels of ionic channels in atrial myocytes are changeable by ambient high hydrostatic pressure stimulation

Background Atrial fibrillation （AF） is the most common arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice and hy- pertension has been well established to be the most common medical condition associated with AF. The present study aimed to explore the expression of ionic channels in atrial myocytes, the main mechanisms of atrial electrical remodeling, under ambient pressure stimulation. Methods A resealable device that could provide and maintain a certain pressure was designed and used. Subconfluent cells were maintained in a pressure culture device which placed in a carbon dioxide incubator for 24 h. The pressure gradient was set to 0 mmHg, 20 mmHg and 40 mmHg. The mRNA and protein levels of the calcium channel, potassium channel and sodium channel were assayed using real-time PCR, and Western blot respectively. Results We found that mRNA and protein expression of Cav1.2 and protein expression of Cav3.1, Kv11.1 and Kv4.3 are significantly decreased after pressure stimulation. Pressure stimulation up-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of Kv1.5 and Kir2.1 but could not regulate mRNA or protein expression of Nay1.5. Conclusions Our results represent a potential pathogenic mechanism of hypertension involved in atrial electrical remodeling and provide enlightening insights to the prevention and treatment of AF.