Objective The purpose of the present study was to observe the changes of (in) gene expression and protein level of transient receptor potential channel (TRPC1) in isolated atrial myocardium after heart failure in rabbits.

Methods 20 rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: control group (n=10, sham-operation rabbits: 5) and heart failure (n=10) group. (A) Chronic heart failure model was produced by ligating left anterior descending coronary artery. 8 weeks after (the) operation, the mRNA expression and protein level of TRPC1 in atrial myocardia of rabbits were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively.

Results The TRPC1 mRNA expression in the myocardium of the left auricular appendage was markedly increased in the heart failure group (0.295±0.008) compared to the control group (0.224±0.005) (p<0.05). The TRPC1 protein expression in the myocardium of the left auricular appendage was significantly increased in the heart failure group (0.372±0.011) compared to the control group (0.261±0.007) (p<0.05).

Conclusion The mRNA and protein expression of TRPC1 in atrial myocardia of rabbits with heart failure was significantly increased. TRPC1 may play a role in the vulnerability to (of) atrial arrhythmias in dilated atria with heart failure.