Physiological roles of the transient outward current Ito in normal and diseased hearts

Jonathan M. Cordeiro, Kirstine Callø, Roozbeh Aschar-Sobbi, Kyoung-Han Kim, Adam Korogyi, Dona Occhipinti, Peter H. Backx, Brian K. Panama

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The Ca2+-independent transient outward K+ current (Ito) plays a critical role in underlying phase 1 of repolarization of the cardiac action potential and, as a result, is central to modulating excitation-contraction coupling and propensity for arrhythmia. Additionally, Ito and its molecular constituents are consistently reduced in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. In this review, we discuss the physiological role of Ito as well as the molecular basis of this current in human and canine hearts, in which Ito has been thoroughly studied. In particular, we discuss the role of Ito in the action potential and the mechanisms by which Ito modulates excitation-contraction coupling. We also describe the effects of mutations in the subunits constituting the Ito channel as well as the role of Ito in the failing myocardium. Finally, we review pharmacological modulation of Ito and discuss the evidence supporting the hypothesis that restoration of Ito in the setting of heart failure may be therapeutically beneficial by enhancing excitation-contraction coupling and cardiac function.
Original languageEnglish
Article number454
JournalFrontiers in bioscience (Scholar edition)
Volume8
Pages (from-to)143-159
Number of pages17
ISSN1945-0516
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2016

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