Key Points
- This research aims to investigate the characteristics of sodium currents through single channels in adult rat heart cells.
- Utilized the patch-clamp technique to study Na+ channels from ventricular cells of adult rat hearts.
- Measured conductance and inactivation properties at various holding potentials.
- Examined effects of tetrodotoxin on channel activity and inactivation dynamics.
- Conductance measured at 9.8 pS with a fast inactivation time constant of 1.7 ms at -40 mV.
- Identified a slow inactivation component with a time constant between 8 and 14 ms, influenced by holding potential.
- Occasional ultraslow currents lasting up to 150 ms were observed, indicating distinct functional modes of Na+ channels.
Structured PICO
PPopulationVentricular cells dissociated from adult rat hearts
IInterventionPatch-clamp technique
OOutcomeCurrents through single Na+ channels (conductance, inactivation time constants)surrogate
Single sodium channels in adult rat ventricular cells exhibit slow inactivation currents due to repeated channel openings, suggesting multiple functional modes with distinct inactivation rates.