Initiation Of Cardiac Action Potential Flashcards
What determines action potential propagation
- Difference in voltage between cells
- Resistance between cells
- Threshold for AP firing
- Size of the cells
- Expression level of voltage-gated Na channels (depolarization phase)
What initiates the cardiac action potential
Sino-atrial node (SAN) found in roof of right atria
What kind of channels does the sino-atrial node have?
Pacemaker channels called HCN channels (funny channels)
Describe pacemaker channels (HCN channel) structure and gating
-Structure similar to K+ channel
- non selective cation channel
- gated by cAMP
What does HCN channel stand for
Hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide gated channel
State the pathway of electrical conduction in the heart
Sino-atrial node -> atrio-ventricular node -> bundle of his -> bundle branches -> purkinje fibers
How does the SA node action potential compare to the ventricular muscle action potential
- Slower upstroke velocity- b/c lack Na+ channels. Depolarization occurs by ICa
- Reduced plateau duration- caused by ICa inactivation after upstroke
- Diastolic depolarization- causes voltage dip below resting potential of SA node. This is due to pacemaker HCN channel. Note diastolic depolarization doesn’t occur in myocytes
- Higher resting potential- b/c lack IK1 which maintains the resting membrane potential
How many subunits does HCN channel have
4 subunits same as K+ channels
What is Ef value and what current is it for
Ef = -20 mV
Current is If= IHCN
What 2 channels are missing from SAN AP
Strong inward rectifier (Kir)
Na+ channel
When do HCN channels open
Turn on during repolarization, wind up hyperpolarizing membrane
What current causes the start of repolarization in SAN AP
Ik,DR
What current causes depolarization in SAN AP
ICa
How does sympathetic and parasympathetic stimulation effect diastolic depolarization slope
Sympathetic- increases diastolic depolarization slope, increase AP frequency
Parasympathetic- decreases diastolic depolarization slope, decreases AP frequency
What does the parasympathetic system control
Rest and digest