Prolonged action potential duration, reduced action potential firing rate, upstroke velocity and rate of diastolic depolarization have been demonstrated in atrioventricular node (AVN) cells from streptozotocin (STZ)‑induced diabetic rats. To further clarify the molecular basis of these electrical disturbances, the mRNA profiles encoding a variety of proteins associated with the generation and conduction of electrical activity in the AVN, were evaluated in the STZ‑induced diabetic rat heart. Expression of mRNA was measured in AVN biopsies using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction techniques. Notable differences in mRNA expression included upregulation of genes encoding membrane and intracellular Ca2+ transport, including solute carrier family 8 member A1, transient receptor potential channel 1, ryanodine receptor 2/3, hyperpolarization‑activated cyclic‑nucleotide 2 and 3, calcium channel voltage‑dependent, β2 subunit and sodium channels 3a, 4a, 7a and 3b. In addition to this, potassium channels potassium voltage‑gated channel subfamily A member 4, potassium channel calcium activated intermediate/small conductance subfamily N α member 2, potassium voltage‑gated channel subfamily J members 3, 5, and 11, potassium channel subfamily K members 1, 2, 3 and natriuretic peptide B (BNP) were upregulated in AVN of STZ heart, compared with controls. Alterations in gene expression were associated with upregulation of various proteins including the inwardly rectifying, potassium channel Kir3.4, NCX1 and BNP. The present study demonstrated notable differences in the profile of mRNA encoding proteins associated with the generation, conduction and regulation of electrical signals in the AVN of the STZ‑induced diabetic rat heart. These data will provide a basis for a substantial range of future studies to investigate whether variations in mRNA translate into alterations in electrophysiological function.

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