Effects of ionic channel antagonists barium, cesium, and UL-FS-49 on vagal slowing of atrial rate in dogs.
In response to a brief vagal stimulus, the atrial rate initially slows, then transiently accelerates, and slows a second time. We determined the effects of three antagonists to two ionic channels on this characteristic triphasic pacemaker response. Brief bursts of vagal stimulation were delivered to anesthetized dogs, and atrial cycle lengths were recorded. Either barium, cesium, or UL-FS-49 was administered. Barium, which primarily blocks the acetylcholine-sensitive potassium current (IK,ACh), attenuated the initial vagally induced bradycardia by > 50% without affecting the subsequent acceleration or the secondary slowing. Cesium and UL-FS-49 [both of which primarily block the pacemaker current (If)] did not affect the initial vagal slowing of atrial rate but abolished the acceleratory portion of the response. The secondary slowing was abolished by cesium but not by UL-FS-49. We conclude that the initial rapid atrial response to acetylcholine is mediated mainly by the IK,ACh, with little contribution from the If. The subsequent acceleration is mediated by activation of the If.
Wallick
D W
DW
Division of Investigative Medicine, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.
Kuguoglu
A
A
Yang
T
T
Stuesse
S L
SL
Levy
M N
MN
D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D017609:Barium Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001552:Benzazepines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002586:Cesium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002712:Chlorides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004285:Dogs; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*; D006325:Heart Atria; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D026902:Potassium Channel Blockers; D013997:Time Factors; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D017609:Barium Compounds; D001552:Benzazepines; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D002712:Chlorides; D026902:Potassium Channel Blockers; C024986:barium chloride; D002586:Cesium; C028019:cesium chloride; D000109:Acetylcholine; C043636:zatebradine