The rabbit AV node was isolated and dissected into small strips of 0.3 mm
width to apply two microelectrode voltage clamp technique. Then, slow inward current (isJ,
hyperpolarization activated inward current (if) and pump current were recorded and their
kinetic properties were analysed.
The results obtained were as follows:
1. The isolated AV node continued to beat, but the rate was slower than that in the SA
node. The configuration of action potential showed regional difference. Small AV node
preparations also showed spontaneous action potentials whose configurations were similar to
those in the SA node. Resting membrane potential was about -40 mV.
2. On depolarization from the holding potential of -40 mV to various potential level, slow
inward current (isf) was recorded. It was disappeared by adding 2 mM Mn+ + and increased
remarkably by 10-6M adrenaline. Current-voltage relationship, steady-state inactivation and
recovery from inactivation were also studied and considered similar to those in other cardiac
tissues.
3. In response to hyperpolarizing voltage clamp pulse, the current if was activated. The
reversal potential was about -25 mV. 0.5 mM Cs" decreased if in a voltage-dependent
manner. 10-6M adrenaline showed little effect on if.
4. The activity of electrogenic Na+ pump was demonstrated by K+ -induced transient
outward current or transient hyperpolarization after pre-treatment with K+-free Tyrode solution.
The pump activity was affected by duration of pre-treatment, K+ concentration in
recovery solution and Ca + + concentration in K+ -free Tyrode solution