Regresar

Impact of SK Channel Conductance Variations in Endocardial and Epicardial Cells on Arrhythmogenesis in Failing Ventricles: A 1-D Simulation Study

Abstract:

SK channels are small conductance (∼10 pS) calcium-activated potassium channels. Although they have been suggested not to play a relevant role in healthy ventricles, SK channel upregulation has been reported in failing ventricles, with potential implications for arrhythmogenesis. However, the pathophysiological role of small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels in failing ventricles is poorly understood. This study examines the impact of SK channel conductance variations in endocardial and epicardial cells on arrhythmogenesis in failing ventricles. Using a 1-D computational model of a ventricular fiber, 25 scenarios were simulated with varying SK channel conductances. The results show that SK channel block generally increases transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR) and prolongs the QT interval, particularly when epicardial conductance is not markedly higher than endocardial conductance. These findings suggest that SK channel inhibition may contribute to arrhythmia risk in heart failure.