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Fish Stem Cells and Nuclear Transfer |
Int J Biol Sci 2009; 5:201-204 ©Ivyspring International Publisher Short Research Communication Is sodium current present in human sinoatrial node cells? Heart Failure Research Center, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Pacemaker activity of the sinoatrial node has been studied extensively in various animal species, but is virtually unexplored in man. As such, it is unknown whether the fast sodium current (INa) plays a role in the pacemaker activity of the human sinoatrial node. Recently, we had the unique opportunity to perform patch-clamp experiments on single pacemaker cells isolated from a human sinoatrial node. In 2 out of the 3 cells measured, we observed large inward currents with characteristics of INa. Although we were unable to analyze the current in detail, our findings provide strong evidence that INa is present in human sinoatrial node pacemaker cells, and that this INa is functionally available at potentials negative to -60 mV. Keywords: action potentials, humans, ion channels, sinoatrial node, sodium channels How
to cite this article:
Verkerk AO, Wilders R, van Borren MMGJ, Tan HL. Is sodium current present in human sinoatrial node cells?. Int J Biol Sci 2009; 5:201-204. Available from http://www.biolsci.org/v05p0201.htm |