Establishment of cardiac action potential recording using a membrane potential indicator in the mouse sinoatrial node

Abstract

The cardiac action potential in the sinoatrial node is important, as it propagates throughout the heart and determines cardiac rhythm. Because of the anatomical complexity, pacemaker cells in the sinoatrial node can be difficult to identify for electrophysiological analysis. Also, analysis of pacemaker cells requires a specialized technique. In this study, we tried to analyze pacemaking in the sinoatrial node. First, we evaluated the expression of various factors that participate in pacemaking or modify cardiac rhythm. Next, we evaluated recordings of the action potential in the sinoatrial node by a conventional electrophysiological technique and using oxonol V, a fluorescent voltage-sensitive dye.