Changes of HCN4, Cx43 Expression in the Sinoatrial Node of Electric Shock Death / 法医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective T o investigate the expression of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel 4 (H C N 4) and connexin43 (C x43) in the sinoatrial node of electric shock death. Meth-ods As experim ental group, 34 cases of electric shock death who had definite current m ark evidence were selected from pathology departm ent of X uzhou M edical C ollege from 2010 to 2013. As the control group, 20 cases of fatal severe craniocerebral injury in traffic accidents were chosen. T he expressions of H C N 4 and C x43 in the sinoatrial node were observed by im m unohistochem ical technology. Results H C N 4 positive cells expressed in the cell m em brane and cytoplasm of the sinoatrial node. C x43 positive cells expressed in the cell m em brane and cytoplasm of T cells and m yocardial cells. T he expression of H C N 4 was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05) and the expression of C x43 was signifi-cantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion T he changes of H C N 4 and C x43 ex-pressions in the sinoatrial node illustrate electric shock death m ight be related to the abnorm alities of cardiac electrophysiology and conduction.