Rhythm generating mechanisms in rat sino-atrial node and ventricle

The major membrane currents responsible for sinoatrial and idioventricular rhythm-generation were studied in isolated rat heart preparations, perfused in Langendorff mode. The rates of whole isolated hearts beating with sinoatrial rhythm decreased with cesium and ivabradine, both blockers of the funny current, and were not affected by nickel, at a dose which blocks T-type calcium current. The sinoatrial rhythm was completely abolished by reduction or removal of sodium from the perfusate (interventions that inhibit calcium-extrusive mode of the sodium/calcium exchanger), or by nifedipine, an L-type calcium channel blocker. Idioventricular rhythm, however, was arrested only by reduction of sodium in the perfusate. Ivabradine reduced the idioventricular rate, nickel did not cause any change, while nifedipine in some cases increased it. The inferences made based on these observations are that INCX and ICaL are obligatory rhythm-generating currents in the sinoatrial node, while INCX is the only obligatory mechanism for an idioventricular rhythm. The funny current is not an obligatory requirement for sinoatrial as well as idioventricular rhythm-generation. However, it enhances the frequency of LCRs. Our results in the isolated whole heart are in corroboration with results from isolated cells.