Abstract
Pacemaker channels, as has been appreciated since they were first described, have a most unusual and complex set of properties (DiFrancesco & Borer, 2007). This complexity belies their role in the sinoatrial (SA) node, which is deceivingly simple: to enable nodal myocytes to beat in an efficient and cyclic AMP-sensitive manner. This singularity of purpose has made them a preferred choice to provide a pacing boost to cells with little inclination to beat on their own, in the form of a biological pacemaker (Rosen et al. 2007, 2008), as well as a target for drugs that inhibit heart rate specifically (DiFrancesco & Borer, 2007). Pacemaker channels are also known as ‘funny’ or ‘hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-modulated’ (HCN) channels in reference to their uncommon characteristics.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
