In utero exposure to nicotine abolishes the postnatal response of the cardiac sodium current to isoproterenol in newborn rabbit atrium

In utero exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and cardiac arrhythmias in newborns. The arrhythmogenic mechanisms seem linked to alterations of the cardiac sodium current (INa). We previously reported that in utero exposure to nicotine delays the postnatal development of the heart sinoatrial node in rabbits and altered expression of the sodium channels NaV1.5 and NaV1.1 in the atrium surrounding it. These channels react differently to sympathetic stimulation.
Source: Heart Rhythm - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Featured Article Source Type: research