Different distribution of Cav3.2 and Cav3.1 transcripts encoding T-type Ca²⁺ channels in the embryonic heart of mice

Abstract

We investigated the distribution of T-type Ca²⁺ channel mRNAs in the mouse embryonic heart. Cav3.2, but not Cav3.1, was expressed in the E8.5 embryonic heart along with cardiac progenitor markers (Nkx2.5, Tbx5, Isl-1) and contractile proteins (alpha and beta MHC). In the E10.5 heart, the distribution of Cav3.1 mRNA was confirmed in the AV-canal and overlapped with that of MinK or Tbx2. Cav3.2 mRNA was observed not only in the AV-canal but also in the outflow tract, along with MinK and Isl-1, indicating the expression of Cav3.2 in the secondary heart field. Thus, Cav3.2 may contribute to the development of the outflow tract from the secondary heart field in the embryonic heart, whereas Cav3.1 may be involved in the development of the cardiac conduction-system together with Cav3.2.