Expression of angiotensin II receptors in human left and right atrial tissue in atrial fibrillation with and without underlying mitral valve disease

Objectives We postulated a change of angiotensin II receptor subtype expression in patients with lone atrial fibrillation (AF) and AF with underlying mitral valve disease (MVD) both compared with sinus rhythm (SR). Background Atrial fibrillation is a progressive disease associated with electrical and structural remodeling. Angiotensin II (ANGII) is involved in the process of myocardial remodeling. Actions of ANGII are mediated by ANGII receptor subtypes 1 and 2 (AT1 and AT2). Methods Left atrial (LA) and right atrial (RA) tissue samples were obtained from patients with AF or SR with or without underlying MVD. The AT1 and AT2 protein levels were measured by quantitative Western blotting techniques. Results The AT1 protein level in the LA was significantly increased in patients with AF (all forms) compared with SR (p < 0.05), whereas AT2 expression was not significantly altered. Comparison of the subgroups revealed a similar increase of AT1 in both paroxysmal AF and chronic AF with or without MVD. Additionally, investigations of ANGII receptor subtypes in the RA did not exhibit any significant changes either in AT1 or in AT2 in patients with AF versus SR. Underlying MVD did not significantly affect AT2 receptor subtype expression in LA. Conclusions Atrial fibrillation is associated with an up-regulation of AT1 in LA, but not in RA, and did not appear to influence the AT2 expression in the atrium. Because we found an enhanced expression of AT1in the LA, we conclude that AT1 might be involved in the pathogenesis of AF in the LA.