Is a Human Heart like a Mouse Heart? (IMAGE) Washington University in St. Louis Caption Two recent research studies have found differences between the distribution of potassium-ion-channel variants in the mouse heart and in the human heart. In the mouse, the ion channels in the atria are different from those in the ventricles. In humans there is no such chamber specificity. The difference is crucially important for the development of safe and effective cardiovascular drugs. Credit NIH Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.