Key result
In calf Purkinje fibres, both sodium and potassium participate in carrying the pace-maker current (if), with channel conductance depending on external potassium but not sodium concentration.
This basic science study demonstrates that both sodium and potassium ions carry the pace-maker current (if) in calf Purkinje fibres, with channel conductance dependent on external potassium concentration.
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Does not inform clinical arrhythmia management; leaves open relevance to human sinoatrial node physiology and targeted therapies.
Dario DiFrancesco (1981) studied this question. Varying external potassium and sodium concentrations vs. Normal conditions was evaluated on Reversal potential (Ef) and fully activated current-voltage relation (if(E)). In calf Purkinje fibres, both sodium and potassium participate in carrying the pace-maker current (if), with channel conductance depending on external potassium but not sodium concentration.
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