Abstract
Growing evidence indicate that mitochondria play a functional role in arrhythmogenesis. We report here the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of these highly dynamic organelles in the regulation of cell metabolism, action potential and, overall, heart excitability. In particular, we examine the role of cardiac mitochondria in linking metabolism and cell excitability. The importance of the main mitochondrial channels is evaluated as well, including the recently identified calcium uniporter. Promises and pitfalls of potential therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial pathways are also assessed.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Review
MeSH terms
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Action Potentials
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Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism
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Animals
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Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use
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Arrhythmias, Cardiac / drug therapy
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Arrhythmias, Cardiac / etiology
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Arrhythmias, Cardiac / metabolism*
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Arrhythmias, Cardiac / physiopathology
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Cell Death
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Energy Metabolism* / drug effects
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Heart Rate* / drug effects
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Humans
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Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial
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Mitochondria, Heart / drug effects
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Mitochondria, Heart / metabolism*
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Mitochondria, Heart / pathology
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Myocytes, Cardiac / drug effects
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Myocytes, Cardiac / metabolism*
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Myocytes, Cardiac / pathology
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Oxidative Stress
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Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
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Signal Transduction
Substances
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Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
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Reactive Oxygen Species
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Adenosine Triphosphate