Probucol prevents atrial ion channel remodeling in an alloxan-induced diabetes rabbit model.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF), but the molecular mechanisms of diabetes-induced atrial remodeling processes have not been fully characterized. The aim of this study was to examine the mechanisms underlying atrial ion channel remodeling in alloxan-induced diabetes model in rabbits. A total of 40 Japanese rabbits were randomly assigned to a control group (C), alloxan-induced diabetic group (DM), probucol-treated control group (Control-P), and probucol-treated diabetic group (DM-P). Using whole-cell voltage-clamp techniques, I-Ca,(L), I-Na and action potential durations (APDs) were measured in cardiomyocytes isolated from the left atria in the four groups, respectively. In the DM group, increased I-ca,(L) and decreased I-Na currents were reflected in prolonged APD(90) and APD(50) values. These changes were reversed in the DM-P group. In conclusion, probucol cured AF by alleviating the ion channel remodeling of atrial myocytes in the setting of diabetes and the promising therapeutic potential of anti-oxidative compounds in the treatment of AF warrants further study.