Ultrastructure of Atrial Myocytes in Patients in Sinus Rhythm and With Atrial Fibrillation
Ultrastructure of Atrial Myocytes in Patients in Sinus Rhythm and With Atrial Fibrillation
The aim of this work is to study the prevalence of T-tubular system in left and right
 myocytes from patients in sinus rhythm and whether this is altered in paroxysmal and
 permanent atrial fibrillation. Furthermore, since current information is lacking on the key
 Ca2+-handling proteins RyR, NCX, and SERCA-2a from patients in Atrial Fibrillation (AF), it
 will be investigated whether a regulation of these proteins could be an underlying cause of
 the disease. Mitochondrial function will also studied.

 1. The investigators hypothesize that both structure of sarcolemma and localization of key
 Ca2+-handling proteins are altered in patients with atrial fibrillation compared with
 patients in sinus rhythm.

 2. The investigators hypothesize that mitochondrial function is altered in patients with
 atrial fibrillation compared with patients in sinus rhythm.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  sinus rhythm, permanent atrial fibrillation or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

 -  selected for open heart surgery

 -  informed consent

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  not given informed consent