Chagas disease, which is caused Dog by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is an important cause of heart failure.We investigated modifications in the cellular electrophysiological and calcium-handling characteristics of an infected mouse heart during the chronic phase of the disease.The patch-clamp technique was used to record action potentials (APs) and L-type Ca2+ and transient Accent Mirror (Set of 3) outward K+ currents.[Ca2+]i changes were determined using confocal microscopy.Infected ventricular cells showed prolonged APs, reduced transient outward K+ and L-type Ca2+ currents and reduced Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Thus, the chronic phase of Chagas disease is characterised by cardiomyocyte dysfunction, which could lead to heart failure.