Downregulation of Endocardial Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression and Nitric Oxide Production in Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

AF is associated with a marked decrease in endocardial NOS expression and NO* bioavailability and an increase in PAI-1 expression in the left atrium. These data suggest that organized atrial contraction is needed to maintain normal endocardial expression of NOS. It is likely that loss of this antithrombotic enzyme contributes to the thromboembolic phenomena commonly observed in AF.