Long QT Syndrome and the Resting Membrane Potential: From Microscopic to Macroscopic is a curricular unit devised by FBR's Dr. Walt Allan, a pediatric neurologist. It begins with the true story, excerpted from the book Kara Mia, of one of Dr. Allan's patients. Co-written by Kara's mother, Maryann Anglim, and Dr. Allan, the story provides a real-world setting for study of the electrical activity of cells. Students perform simulated experiments using a computer model of a heart muscle cell, demonstrating the resting membrane potential. The unit then proceeds to teach students about ion channels and the action potential.

Long QT syndrome is an inherited condition that is one of the causes of sudden death in apparently healthy adolescents and young adults. It most frequently occurs during sporting events and is usually attributed to a sudden, unpredictable disturbance in the rhythm of the heart. In Long QT syndrome, this disturbance is caused by an inherited mutation in a gene that regulates one of the ion channels in heart muscle cells. An objective of this lab is to demonstrate that the inherited defect in ion channels alters the repolarization phase of the action potential, leading to prolongation of the QT interval and to sudden death in Long QT syndrome.

Back to "A case of near SUDDEN DEATH in a teenager"

Go to the Seahorse Press Web Site to read an excerpt from Kara Mia explaining Long QT syndrome.

Outline of the curricular unit: Long QT Syndrome and the Resting Membrane Potential: From Microscopic to Macroscopic

Learn about the research of Mark Keating - one of the leaders in genetic ion channel research.

Visit the Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome (SADS) Foundation -the leading support group for people with Long QT Syndrome.