The transient outward current (I to) has been identified in sinoatrial node of rabbit. However neither its physiological role has yet been clarified (Uese et al.1999; Boyett et al., 2001; Verkerk, van Ginneken, 2001). Very little is known about of the 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) sensitive current in sinoatrial (SA) node of the mouse (Lavrik, Golovko 2007; Kharche et al. 2011). The goals of the present study is to investigate the characteristics action potential (AP) and I to possible contribution to the action potential (AP) generation in the male albino mouse (two-month-old; Mus domesticus; n strips = 34) spontaneously contractions strips using the microelectrode method. The mean frequency of AP generation was 312 ± 29 beats per min, bpm (K+ 5.4 mM; Ca2+ 1.8 mM ; 31 C). Aminopyridine (0.5 mM, “Sigma”) lengthened the action potential duration at the 20% repolarization (APD20) by 50% in pacemaker cells with upstroke velocity dV/dtmax – 3±1 V/s (mean ± SE, n cells =19) was registered. This was accompanied by decreasing of dV/dtmax 30-50% compared with the control (n=5; p < 0.01; fig. 1). It has been also identified that 4-AP does not cause lengthened of the final repolarization phase (phase 3). Action potential auricle type have been recorded also from subendocardial side SA area and characterized short APD20 – 7±2 ms (n cells =10). 4 -AP (0.1 mM) lengthened the APD20 (really plateau) by 50% (EC50) in auricle cells with dV/dt max – 110±6 V/s was registered. In other words we found that shorter spike AP than was higher 4-AP sensitivity SA area mouse cells. The received results don’t explain the phenomenon of decrease upstroke velocity, which was first time recorded at exposure 4-AP. However some assumptions can be made about the transition from phase 0 to phase 2 (“plateau”) at exposure 4-AP. Block of I to current increased [K+]i , which indirectly slowed the conductance of Na channels – seems to us most likely. Supported by the Ural’s Division RAS 11-4-HP-438, 12-P-4-1054, 12-U-4-1022.
University of Manchester (2012) Proc Physiol Soc 28, PC21
Poster Communications: May the transient outward current 4-aminopyridine sensitive contribute to the “plateau” of the action potential in mouse sinoatrial node?
M. Gonotkov1, E. Lebedeva1, V. Golovko1
1. Institute of Physiology, Syktyvkar, Russian Federation.
View other abstracts by:
Where applicable, experiments conform with Society ethical requirements.