Study on expression and significance of inflammatory factors in dog atria with atrial fibrillation

Objective To investigate the expression and significance of interleukin-1β and C-reactive pro-tein(CRP)in atrial fibrillation(AF).Methods Sixteen mongrel dogs were randomly divided into two groups:pa-cing group(n=8)and control group(n=8).High frequency pacing was performed in the pacing group with perma-nent pacernaker but not in the control group.After pacing for 24 weeks,tissue samples were obtained from the left and right atria.The levels of IL-1βand CRP in atria were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results Compared to the control group,the expression level of IL-1β and CRP were significantly enhanced(P<0.05)in atrial tissues during AF.Conclusion IL-1β and CRP may participate in atrial fibrillation formation and play a role in generation and maintaining the artrial fibrillation. Key words: Atrial fibrillation;  Interleukin-1β;  C-reactive protein