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Electrical, structural, and Ca²⁺-handling remodeling contribute to the perpetuation/progression of atrial fibrillation (AF). Recent evidence has suggested a role for spontaneous sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-release events in long-standing persistent AF, but the occurrence and mechanisms of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-release events in paroxysmal AF (pAF) are unknown.

Right-atrial appendages from control sinus rhythm patients or patients with pAF (last episode a median of 10–20 days preoperatively) were analyzed with simultaneous measurements of [Ca²⁺]_i (fluo-3-acetoxymethyl ester) and membrane currents/action potentials (patch-clamp) in isolated atrial cardiomyocytes, and Western blot. Action potential duration, L-type Ca²⁺ current, and Na⁺/Ca²⁺-exchange current were unaltered in pAF, indicating the absence of AF-induced electrical remodeling. In contrast, there were …