Regulation Of Action Potential Duration Research Articles

Regional β-adrenergic regulation of action potential duration and arrhythmias in the pig right ventricle

The right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) is the main origin of idiopathic ventricular tachycardia (VT). Although these arrhythmias appear to be cAMP-dependent, the actual mechanisms leading to VT remain uncertain. Here we studied β-adrenergic regulation of action potential duration (APD) in the healthy pig right ventricle (RV). To determine regional β-adrenergic regulation of APD and arrhythmias in the RVOT. The RV of 4 pig hearts were isolated and perfused via both the coronary arteries. Epicardial electrical activity was optically mapped (di-4-ANEPPS 20 μM) and APD measured at 80% repolarization (APD80) in the RVOT and posterior RV free wall region (RVFW). Regional mRNA and protein expression of β-adrenergic receptors was determined respectively by RT-PCR and Western-Blot. The expression of β1-adrenergic receptor (β1-AR) was lower in the RVOT at the mRNA level ( P < 0.05) but remained unchanged at the protein level compared to the RVFW while β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) expression remained similar in both regions. At lower concentrations (0.6–10 nM), isoprenaline (ISO) led to a prolongation of APD80 in the RVOT and the RVFW. Higher ISO concentrations (500 nM–1 μM) led to a larger APD80 shortening in the RVOT than in the RVFW and triggered VT episodes that originated from the RVOT or the anterior RV. β2-AR blockade (ICI 118,551 100 nM) accelerated while β1-AR blocker Metoprolol (4 μM) slowed or abolished VT. Similar ISO concentrations triggered bursts of Ca2+ transients in RVOT myocytes that stopped upon ISO washout while these events remained rare in RVFW myocytes. β-adrenergic stimulation differentially regulates APD80 in the RVOT and RVFW. Although β1-AR expression was similar in the 2 regions, ISO preferentially shortened APD and triggered arrhythmia in the RVOT. These results suggest the presence of a high sensitivity of RVOT electrophysiology to β-adrenergic stimulation.

Cysteine String Protein Limits Expression of the Large Conductance, Calcium-Activated K+ (BK) Channel

Large-conductance, calcium-activated K+ (BK) channels are widely distributed throughout the nervous system and play an essential role in regulation of action potential duration and firing frequency, along with neurotransmitter release at the presynaptic terminal. We have previously demonstrated that select mutations in cysteine string protein (CSPα), a presynaptic J-protein and co-chaperone, increase BK channel expression. This observation raised the possibility that wild-type CSPα normally functions to limit neuronal BK channel expression. Here we show by Western blot analysis of transfected neuroblastoma cells that when BK channels are present at elevated levels, CSPα acts to reduce expression. Moreover, we demonstrate that the accessory subunits, BKβ4 and BKβ1 do not alter CSPα-mediated reduction of expressed BKα subunits. Structure-function analysis reveals that the N-terminal J-domain of CSPα is critical for the observed regulation of BK channels levels. Finally, we demonstrate that CSPα limits BK current amplitude, while the loss-of-function homologue CSPαHPD-AAA increases BK current. Our observations indicate that CSPα has a role in regulating synaptic excitability and neurotransmission by limiting expression of BK channels.

Frequency of Triggered Ca2+ Waves is Increased in Atrial Myocytes during Heart Failure

Triggered Ca2+ waves develop during rapid pacing in atrial myocytes and are therefore likely to contribute to action potential (AP) duration, thus establishing repolarization gradients and causing reentry. The goal of this study was to investigate how Ca2+ wave properties are altered in heart failure (HF). Myocytes were isolated from the left atrium of dogs paced rapidly for 5-6 weeks and Ca2+ cycling was studied during rapid pacing using rhod-2AM and confocal microscopy (37oC). In control myocytes, the incidence of triggered Ca2+ waves increased with pacing rate and this frequency dependence was shifted to slower rates in HF myocytes. The increase in wave frequency was directly related to the increase in diastolic [Ca2+] with increasing rate, which was exaggerated in HF myocytes. Propagation velocity and distance (percent of cell length) also decreased in HF and there was a shift in the distribution of propagation distance to more short waves and fewer long waves. A low concentration of caffeine (0.5mM, to increase RyR Ca2+ sensitivity) abolished triggered waves and restored normal Ca2+ transients even at high pacing rates. We conclude that 1) triggered Ca2+ wave frequency is increased in HF despite decreased propagation distance and velocity, 2) wave incidence in HF may be related to a greater sensitivity to the rate-induced rise in diastolic [Ca2+], and 3) the fact that low [caffeine] abolished waves and restored normal Ca2+ transients, suggests that triggered waves occur as a result of a reduced sensitivity of SR Ca2+ release to trigger Ca2+ influx. This form of aberrant Ca2+ cycling during the AP may affect the beat-to-beat regulation of AP duration, which may contribute to establishing the substrate for reentrant arrhythmias by formation of repolarization gradients, especially in the setting of HF.

Sevoflurane postconditioning alleviates action potential duration shortening and L-type calcium current suppression induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat epicardial myocytes.

It has been proved that sevoflurane postconditioning (SpostC) could protect the heart against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, however, there has been few research focused on the electrophysiological effects of SpostC. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of SpostC on action potential duration (APD) and L-type calcium current (I(Ca, L)) in isolated cardiomyocytes. Langendorff perfused SD rat hearts were randomly assigned to one of the time control (TC), ischemia/reperfusion (I/R, 25 minutes of ischemia followed by 30 minutes of reperfusion), and SpostC (postconditioned with 3% sevoflurane) groups. At the end of reperfusion, epicardial myocytes were dissociated enzymatically for patch clamp studies. Sevoflurane directly prolonged APD and decreased peak I(Ca, L) densities in epicardial myocytes of the TC group (P < 0.05). I/R injury shortened APD and decreased peak I(Ca, L) densities in epicardial myocytes of the I/R group (P < 0.05). SpostC prolonged APD and increased peak I(Ca, L) densities in epicardial myocytes exposed to I/R injury (P < 0.05). SpostC decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, reduced the incidence of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, and decreased reperfusion arrhythmia scores compared with the I/R group (all P < 0.05). SpostC attenuates APD shortening and I(Ca, L) suppression induced by I/R injury. The regulation of APD and I(Ca, L) by SpostC might be related with intracellular ROS modulation, which contributes to the alleviation of reperfusion ventricular arrhythmia.

Quantification of Calcium Entry at the T-Tubules and Surface Membrane in Rat Ventricular Myocytes

The action potential of cardiac ventricular myocytes is characterized by its long duration, mainly due to Ca flux through L-type Ca channels. Ca entry also serves to trigger the release of Ca from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of cell membrane invaginations called transverse (T)-tubules in determining Ca influx and action potential duration in cardiac ventricular myocytes. We used the whole cell patch clamp technique to record electrophysiological activity in intact rat ventricular myocytes (i.e., from the T-tubules and surface sarcolemma) and in detubulated myocytes (i.e., from the surface sarcolemma only). Action potentials were significantly shorter in detubulated cells than in control cells. In contrast, resting membrane potential and action potential amplitude were similar in control and detubulated myocytes. Experiments under voltage clamp using action potential waveforms were used to quantify Ca entry via the Ca current. Ca entry after detubulation was reduced by ∼60%, a value similar to the decrease in action potential duration. We calculated that Ca influx at the T-tubules is 1.3 times that at the cell surface (4.9 vs. 3.8 μmol/L cytosol, respectively) during a square voltage clamp pulse. In contrast, during a cardiac action potential, Ca entry at the T-tubules is 2.2 times that at the cell surface (3.0 vs. 1.4 μmol/L cytosol, respectively). However, more Ca entry occurs per μm 2 of junctional membrane at the cell surface than in the T-tubules (in nM/ μm 2: 1.43 vs. 1.06 during a cardiac action potential). This difference is unlikely to be due to a difference in the number of Ca channels/junction at each site because we estimate that the same number of Ca channels is present at cell surface and T-tubule junctions (∼35). This study provides the first evidence that the T-tubules are a key site for the regulation of action potential duration in ventricular cardiac myocytes. Our data also provide the first direct measurements of T-tubular Ca influx, which are consistent with the idea that cardiac excitation-contraction coupling largely occurs at the T-tubule dyadic clefts.

A multi-modal composition of the late Na+ current in human ventricular cardiomyocytes

We reported an ultraslow late Na+ current (INaL) in ventricular cardiomyocytes of human hearts. INaL has been implicated in regulation of action potential duration in normal hearts and repolarization abnormalities in failing hearts. We have also identified sodium channel (NaCh) gating modes including bursts (BM) and late scattered openings (LSM) that together comprise INaL; however, the contribution of these gating modes to Na+ current (INa) remains unknown. In the present study, the late NaCh activity was recorded, analyzed, and modeled for heterologously expressed NaCh, Nav1.5, and for the native NaCh of ventricular mid-myocardial cardiomyocytes from normal and failing hearts. We found that LSM gating was significantly slower in failing compared to normal myocytes and Nav1.5 (tau=474+/-10 vs. 299+/-9, and 229+/-12 ms, m+/-SEM; P<0.05, n=5-6). Total burst length of BM decreased with depolarization and was larger in failing compared to normal myocytes and Nav1.5. A complete INa decay was then numerically approximated as composed of NaCh populations operating in three gating modes described by separate Markov kinetic schemes: transient mode (TM), LSM, and BM. The populations of NaCh operating in each gating mode were estimated as 79.8% for TM, 20% for LSM, and 0.2% for BM, yielding an apparent four-exponential INa decay at -30 mV (maximum INa) (tau i approximately 0.4, 4, 50, and 500 ms). Whole-cell recordings confirmed the existence of all four predicted components. The model also predicted voltage and temperature dependence of INaL as well as INaL increase and slower decay in failing hearts and acceleration by amiodarone. The early phase of Na+ current decay (<40 ms) involves all three NaCh gating modes, the intermediate phase (from 40 to 300 ms) is produced by BM+LSM, although the contribution of BM decreases with depolarization, and ultra-late decay (>300 ms) is determined solely by LSM. The concept of multi-mode composition for INaL provides a new rationale for INaL modulation by factors such as voltage, temperature, pharmacological agents, and pathological conditions.

TNF-α induces ion channel (Ito) down-regulation in myocyte independently on the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation

Background: We have reported that TNF-α caused down-regulation of transient outward current (Ito) as well as hypertrophy in cultured neonatal myocytes. Although TNF-α induced hypertrophy was reported to be mediated by the activation of reactive oxygen speicies (ROS), the mechanism regulating ion channel is unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effect of n-acetyl cystein (NAC), an antioxidant, on TNF-α induced reduction of Ito and Ito-related molecules, and the regulation of action potential duration (APD) in neonatal rat myocytes.

Regulation of action potential duration under acute heat stress by I(K,ATP) and I(K1) in fish cardiac myocytes.

The mechanism underlying temperature-dependent shortening of action potential (AP) duration was examined in the fish (Carassius carassius L.) heart ventricle. Acute temperature change from +5 to +18 degrees C (heat stress) shortened AP duration from 2.8 +/- 0.3 to 1.3 +/- 0.1 s in intact ventricles. In 56% (18 of 32) of enzymatically isolated myocytes, heat stress also induced reversible opening of ATP-sensitive K+ channels and increased their single-channel conductance from 37 +/- 12 pS at +8 degrees C to 51 +/- 13 pS at +18 degrees C (Q10 = 1.38) (P < 0.01; n = 12). The ATP-sensitive K+ channels of the crucian carp ventricle were characterized by very low affinity to ATP both at +8 degrees C [concentration of Tris-ATP that produces half-maximal inhibition of the channel (K1/2)= 1.35 mM] and +18 degrees C (K1/2 = 1.85 mM). Although acute heat stress induced ATP-sensitive K+ current (IK,ATP) in patch-clamped myocytes, similar heat stress did not cause any glibenclamide (10 microM)-sensitive changes in AP duration in multicellular ventricular preparations. Examination of APs and K+ currents from the same myocytes by alternate recording under current-clamp and voltage-clamp modes revealed that changes in AP duration were closely correlated with temperature-specific changes in the voltage-dependent rectification of the background inward rectifier K+ current IK1. In approximately 15% of myocytes (4 out of 27), IK,ATP-dependent shortening of AP followed the IK1-induced AP shortening. Thus heat stress-induced shortening of AP duration in crucian carp ventricle is primarily dependent on IK1. IK,ATP is induced only in response to prolonged temperature elevation or perhaps in the presence of additional stressors.

Zebrafish Touch-Insensitive Mutants Reveal an Essential Role for the Developmental Regulation of Sodium Current

Developmental changes in neuronal connectivity and membrane properties underlie the stage-specific appearance of embryonic behaviors. The behavioral response of embryonic zebrafish to tactile stimulation first appears at 27 hr postfertilization. Because the touch response requires the activation of mechanosensory Rohon-Beard neurons, we have used whole-cell recordings in semi-intact preparations to characterize Rohon-Beard cell electrical membrane properties in several touch-insensitive mutants and then to correlate the development of excitability in these cells with changes in wild-type behavior. Electrophysiological analysis of mechanosensory neurons of touch-insensitive zebrafish mutants indicates that in three mutant lines that have been examined the sodium current amplitudes are reduced, and action potentials either have diminished overshoots or are not generated. In macho mutants the action potential never overshoots, and the sodium current remains small; alligator and steifftier show similar but weaker effects. The effects are specific to sodium channel function; resting membrane potentials are unaffected, and outward currents of normal amplitude are present. Developmental analysis of sodium current expression in mechanosensory neurons of wild-type embryos indicates that, during the transition from a touch-insensitive to a touch-sensitive embryo, action potentials acquire larger overshoots and briefer durations as both sodium and potassium currents increase in amplitude. However, in macho touch-insensitive mutants, developmental changes in action potential overshoot and sodium current are absent despite the normal regulation of action potential duration and potassium current. Thus, the maturation of a voltage-dependent sodium current promotes a behavioral response to touch. A study of these mutants will allow insight into the genes controlling the maturation of the affected sodium current.

Intracellular calcium and electrical restitution in mammalian cardiac cells.

The role of calcium current and changes in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in regulation of action potential duration (APD) during electrical restitution process was studied in mammalian ventricular preparations. Properly timed action potentials were recorded from multicellular preparations and isolated cardiomyocytes using conventional microelectrodes and EGTA-containing patch pipettes. APD increased monotonically in canine and guinea pig ventricular preparations with increasing diastolic interval (DI), while in rabbit papillary muscles the restitution process was biphasic: APD first lengthened, then shortened as the DI increased. When the restitution process was studied in single cardiomyocytes using EGTA-containing patch pipettes, the restitution pattern was similar in the three species studied. Similarly, no difference was observed in the recovery time constant of calcium current (/Ca-L) measured under these conditions in voltage clamped myocytes. Loading the myocytes with the [Ca2+]i-chelator BAPTA-AM had adverse effects in rabbit and canine cells. In rabbit myocytes steady-state APD lengthened and the late shortening component of restitution was abolished in BAPTA-loaded cells. In canine myocytes BAPTA-load shortened steady-state APD markedly, and during restitution, APD decreased with increasing DI. The late shortening component of restitution, observed in untreated rabbit preparations, was greatly reduced after nifedipine treatment, but remained preserved in the presence of 4-aminopyridine or nicorandil. Beat to beat changes in APD, peak/Ca-L and [Ca2+]i, measured using the fluorescent dye, Fura-2, were monitored in rabbit ventricular myocytes after a 1-min period of rest. In these cells, the shortening of APD was accompanied by a gradual reduction of the peak/Ca-L and elevation of diastolic [Ca2+]i during the initial eight post-rest action potentials. It is concluded that elevation of [Ca2+]i shortens, while reduction of [Ca2+]i lengthens APD in rabbit, but not in canine ventricular myocytes. These differences may probably be related to different distributions of [Ca2+]i-dependent ion currents and/or to differences in calcium handling between the two species.

Dystrophin-glycoprotein complex and vinculin-talin-integrin system in human adult cardiac muscle

Costameres were identified, for the first time, in skeletal and cardiac muscle, as regions associated with the sarcolemma, consisting of densely clustered patches of vinculin; they have many characteristics common to the cell-extracellular matrix-type of adherens junctions. Costameres are considered 'proteic machinery' and they appear to comprise two protein complexes, the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) and the vinculin-talin-integrin system. In comparison to skeletal muscle, few studies have focused on cardiac muscle regarding these two complexes, and study is generally relative to dystrophin or to cardiac diseases, such as cardiomyopathies. However, insufficient data are available on these proteins in healthy human cardiomyocytes. For this reason, we performed an immunohistochemical study using human cardiac muscle fibers, in order to define the real distribution and the spatial relationship between the proteins in these two complexes. Our data showed a real costameric distribution of DGC and of the vinculin-talin-integrin system; all tested proteins were present in T-tubule and in intercalated disks. Moreover, our data demonstrated that all tested proteins of DGC colocalized with each other, as all tested components of the vinculin-talin-integrin system, and that all tested proteins of DGC colocalized with all tested proteins of the vinculin-talin-integrin system. Finally, all tested proteins of the two complexes were localized in the region of the sarcolemma over the I band, in 100% of our observations. The present study, for the first time, analyzed the majority of proteins of DGC and of the vinculin-talin-integrin system in cardiac muscle fibers, and it confirmed that DGC and the vinculin-talin-integrin system have a role in the transduction of mechanical force to the extracellular matrix. Finally it attributed a key role in the regulation of action potential duration to cardiac myocytes.

Shortening of Monophasic Action Potential Duration During Hyperkalemia and Myocardial Ischemia in Anesthetized Dogs

The elevation of the myocardial extracellular potassium concentration ([K+]0) is known to shorten action potential duration, which may lead to the occurrence of arrhythmias. The aim of this study was to compare the mechanisms responsible for the shortening of monophasic action potential duration (MAPD) in hyperkalemic and myocardial ischemic hearts in anesthetized dogs. During a venous infusion of KC1 for 5 min, [K+]0 was increased and MAPD was significantly shortened. The ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channel blocker glibenclamide did not affect the shortening of MAPD during KCl-infusion, indicating that KATP channels are not involved in this mechanism. During 5-min occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery, [K+]O was increased, myocardial pH was decreased and MAPD was shortened. Glibenclamide completely abolished the shortening of MAPD, while partial elevation of [K+]o remained even in the presence of glibenclamide. This suggests that the shortening of MAPD is dependent mainly on the activation of KATP channels. Both models in the present study demonstrate that different types of potassium channels are involved in the regulation of action potential duration.

Cystic fibrosis gene encodes a cAMP-dependent chloride channel in heart.

cAMP-dependent chloride channels in heart contribute to autonomic regulation of action potential duration and membrane potential and have been inferred to be due to cardiac expression of the epithelial cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel. In this report, a cDNA from rabbit ventricle was isolated and sequenced, which encodes an exon 5 splice variant (exon 5-) of CFTR, with >90% identity to human CFTR cDNA present in epithelial cells. Expression of this cDNA in Xenopus oocytes gave rise to robust cAMP-activated chloride currents that were absent in control water-injected oocytes. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides directed against CFTR significantly reduced the density of cAMP-dependent chloride currents in acutely cultured myocytes, thereby establishing a direct functional link between cardiac expression of CFTR protein and an endogenous chloride channel in native cardiac myocytes.

Influence of cloned voltage-gated K+ channel expression on alanine transport, Rb+ uptake, and cell volume

Voltage-gated K+ channels are involved in regulation of action potential duration and in setting the resting membrane potential in nerve and muscle. To determine the effects of voltage-gated K+ channel expression on processes not associated with electrically excitable cells, we studied cell volume, membrane potential, Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity, and alanine transport after the stable expression of the Kv1.4 and Kv1.5 human K+ channels in Ltk- mouse fibroblasts (L-cells). The fast-activating noninactivating Kv1.5 channel, but not the rapidly inactivating Kv1.4 channel, prevented dexamethasone-induced increases in intracellular volume and inhibited Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity by 25%, as measured by 86Rb+ uptake. Alanine transport, measured separately by systems A and ASC, was lower in Kv1.5-expressing cells, indicating that the expression of this channel modified the Na(+)-dependent amino acid transport of both systems. Expression of the Kv1.4 channel did not alter alanine transport relative to wild-type or sham-transfected cells. The changes specific to Kv1.5 expression may be related to the resting membrane potential induced by this channel (-30 mV) in contrast to that measured in wild-type sham-transfected, or Kv1.4-transfected cells (-2 to 0 mV). Blocking of the Kv1.5 channel by 60 microM quinidine negated the effects of Kv1.5 expression on intracellular volume, Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, and Na(+)-dependent alanine transport. These results indicate that delayed rectifier channels such as Kv1.5 can play a key role in the control of cell membrane potential, cell volume, Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity, and electrogenic alanine transport across the plasma membrane of electrically unexcitable cells.

Anion and cation modulation of the guinea-pig ventricular action potential during beta-adrenoceptor stimulation.

Modulation of the ventricular action potential by beta-adrenergic activation of Ca2+, K+ and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent Cl- channels was assessed in enzymatically isolated guinea-pig ventricular myocytes. The effectiveness and relative selectivity of 9-anthracene carboxylic acid (9-AC), as an antagonist of cAMP-dependent Cl- channels was also tested. Membrane currents and action potentials were recorded using the conventional whole-cell variant of the patch-clamp technique or with the amphotericin B perforated-patch technique. The beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol either increased or decreased action potential duration depending on whether the dominant effect was on inward Ca2+ currents or on outward K+ or Cl- currents. When Ca2+ and K+ channel modulation was prevented by nisoldipine and low temperature respectively, beta-adrenergic activation of Cl- channels caused a significant reduction in action potential duration and a slight depolarization of the membrane potential. The beta-adrenergic-mediated effects were reversed by the Cl- channel blocker, 9-AC. In the absence of beta-adrenergic stimulation, 9-AC had no detectable effects on action potentials or Ca2+ currents. These results suggest that beta-adrenergic activation of Cl- channels is a potent mechanism for regulation of action potential duration and that 9-AC may be a useful, relatively specific, pharmacological tool for evaluating the physiological role of cAMP-activated Cl- channels in heart. 9-AC also reversed the ability of isoproterenol to antagonize prolongation of action potential duration by the class III antiarrhythmic agent E-4031.

Role of potassium channels in cycle length dependent regulation of action potential duration in mammalian cardiac Purkinje and ventricular muscle fibres.

This review examines the putative role played by three repolarising potassium currents, namely the transient outward current (ito), the inward rectifying current (iK1), and the late outward rectifying current (iK), in the regulation of action potential duration in cardiac Purkinje and ventricular muscle fibres under normal physiological conditions. The role of other potassium currents, including the ATP activated current (iK,ATP) under these conditions is uncertain. Personal experiences and work of others are reviewed to summarise: (1) regulation of normal cycle length dependent action potential duration: (2) the characteristics of ito, iK1, and iK pertinent to repolarisation; and (3) the effects of potassium channel blockers and activators on cycle length dependent action potential duration. The presence of ito creates a notch after depolarisation and limits action potential duration at long cycles. Block of iK1 prolongs action potential duration predominantly by slowing phase 3 of the action potential. Block of iK prolongs the duration predominantly by lengthening phase 2 of the action potential, and the lengthening becomes more pronounced at longer cycles. Activation of iK,ATP shortens the duration, and the shortening becomes more pronounced at longer cycles. Each of the three major repolarising potassium currents appears to play a different role in modulating the action potential duration. Ito creates a notch which resets the early course of plateau, and also limits the duration at long cycles. IK1 contributes to maintenance of plateau and controls repolarisation course during phase 3 of the action potential. IK plays major role in controlling action potential duration within a wide range of cycle lengths in Purkinje fibres, and when present, also in ventricular muscle fibres.

Chloride conductance pathways in heart

Nonelectrogenic movement of Cl- is believed to be responsible for the active accumulation of intracellular Cl- in cardiac muscle. The electro-neutral pathways underlying this nonpassive distribution of Cl- are believed to include Cl(-)-HCO3- exchange, Na(+)-dependent cotransport (operating as Na(+)-Cl- and Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransport), and K(+)-Cl- cotransport. The electrogenic movement of Cl- in cardiac muscle is particularly interesting from a historical perspective. Until recently, there was some doubt as to whether Cl- carried any current in the heart. Early microelectrode experiments indicated that a Cl- conductance probably played an important role in regulating action potential duration and resting membrane potential. Subsequent voltage-clamp experiments identified a repolarizing, transient outward current that was believed to be conducted by Cl-, yet further investigation suggested that this transient outward current was more likely a K+ current, not a Cl- current. This left some doubt as to whether Cl- played any role in regulating membrane potential in cardiac muscle. More recent studies, however, have identified a highly selective Cl- conductance that is regulated by intracellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, and it appears that this Cl- current may play an important role in the regulation of action potential duration and resting membrane potential.

Chloride current in mammalian cardiac myocytes. Novel mechanism for autonomic regulation of action potential duration and resting membrane potential.

The properties of the autonomically regulated chloride current (ICl) were studied in isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes. This current was elicited upon exposure to isoproterenol (ISO) and reversed upon concurrent exposure to acetylcholine (ACh). ICl was time independent and exhibited outward rectification. The responses to ISO and ACh could be blocked by propranolol and atropine, respectively, and ICl was also elicited by forskolin, 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, and 3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine, indicating that the current is regulated through a cAMP-dependent pathway. The reversal potential of the ISO-induced current followed the predicted chloride equilibrium potential, consistent with it being carried predominantly by Cl-. Activation of ICl produced changes in the resting membrane potential and action potential duration, which were Cl- gradient dependent. These results indicate that under physiological conditions ICl may play an important role in regulating action potential duration and resting membrane potential in mammalian cardiac myocytes.

Regulation of action potential duration by the Na-activated K-channel, in isolated guinea-pig myocytes: Glenn C. Rodrigo & R.A. Chapman. Department of Physiology, School of Veterinary Sciences, Park Row, Bristol BS1 5LS

Regulation of action potential duration by the Na-activated K-channel, in isolated guinea-pig myocytes: Glenn C. Rodrigo & R.A. Chapman. Department of Physiology, School of Veterinary Sciences, Park Row, Bristol BS1 5LS

Effect of tetraethylammonium chloride on action potential in cardiac Purkinje fibers.

Intracellular loading with 20 mM tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) diffusing through the cut end of the preparations prolonged action potential duration (APD) in dog Purkinje fibers without changing maximum diastolic potential, overshoot, and dV/dtmax. The APD was prolonged at all rates of stimulation, but, contrary to the normal rules, APD increased more after longer than after shorter interstimulus intervals. TEA increased the number of beats required to achieve the new steady-state APD after an abrupt change in the rate of stimulation. The effect of varying extracellular potassium concentration on maximal diastolic potential suggested that intracellular loading with TEA had no effect on the time-independent "background" outward current (IK1). If we ascribe all observed TEA effects to the reduction of time dependent slow outward current Ix1, we can propose a hypothesis concerning the role of Ix1 in the regulation of APD at slow heart rates.