I(f) in non-pacemaker cells: role and pharmacological implications

Pharmacol Res. 2006 May;53(5):416-23. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2006.03.015. Epub 2006 Mar 28.

Abstract

Pacemaker channels play a major role in the generation of sinoatrial rhythmic activity. However, their expression is not confined to specialized myocardial cells, such as primary and subsidiary pacemakers. Electrophysiological and molecular data collected over the last ten years have demonstrated that f-channels are also present in non-pacemaker cardiomyocytes, and become upregulated in cardiac hypertrophy and failure. Mislocalized expression and/or overexpression of f-channels are a consequence of electrophysiological remodeling and, from a clinical point of view, may represent an arrhythmogenic mechanism in heart failure, a condition associated with a high risk for sudden cardiac death. The potential arrhythmogenic role of I(f) and the availability of selective f-channel blockers cause I(f) to be a suitable therapeutic target in heart disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Heart Atria / cytology
  • Heart Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Heart Diseases / physiopathology
  • Heart Rate*
  • Heart Ventricles / cytology
  • Humans
  • Ion Channels / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Ion Channels / physiology*
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / physiology
  • Ventricular Function
  • Ventricular Remodeling

Substances

  • Ion Channels