Cardiac autorhythmic cells constitutes pacemaker of
heart as it discharges rhythmically and automatically.
Automaticity is possible due to spontaneous diastolic
depolarization of membrane potential following completion of each
action potential.
The resting membrane potential during diastole that
depolarizes is called prepotential/pacemaker potential, as it
brings the membrane potential to threshold level, which then
triggers the action potential.
IONIC BASIS OF PACEMAKER POTENTIAL:
In initial stage:
- Towards the end of repolarization, potassium
conductance (IK) declines called as potassium decay.
- During that time, f channels open (If/In current) i.e.,
HCN channels and conductance increases.
- These events allow membrane to
depolarize.
In later stage:
- There occurs opening of transient calcium channels
(IcaT).
- Entry of calcium through T-channels completes pacemaker
potential and takes membrane potential to threshold level, which
then fires to form action potential.
- This upstroke of action potential occurs due to opening
of long lasting calcium channels (IcaL).
- Calcium from sarcoplasmic reticulum also contributes to
pacemaker potential.
- It is the resting membrane potential that automatically
depolarizes to form pacemaker potential.
- Thus, in pace making tissues, there is no resting
membrane potential (restless membrane potential).
- Sympathetic stimulation makes the slope steeper and
increases the heart rate, whereas parasympathetic stimulation makes
the slope flat and decreases the heart rate.