Greater antiarrhythmic activity of acute 17<i>β</i>‐estradiol in female than male anaesthetized rats: correlation with Ca²⁺ channel blockade

Abstract

These results indicate that 17beta-estradiol has marked dose-dependent antiarrhythmic activity that is greater in female rats than in males. A similar differential potency in blocking ICaL in myocytes from female and male rats can account for this effect. This provides an explanation for the antiarrhythmic activity of 17beta-estradiol and gender-selective protection against sudden cardiac death.