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Updated: Sep 9, 2026

Methods for the Isolation, Culture, and Functional Characterization of Sinoatrial Node Myocytes from Adult Mice
Published on: October 23, 2016
[Effects of nicardipine on automaticity of sinoatrial node in rabbit heart]
Abstract:
The dual effects of nicardipine (Nic) on the automatic activity of sinoatrial (SA) node cell in rabbit heart had been observed using intracellular microelectrodes. Superfused with Nic 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 5.0 mumol.L-1 for 10 min, the spontaneous rate was decreased by 32%, 42%, 47%, and 69%, respectively. However, by superfusing with Nic 0.05 mumol.L-1, the spontaneous rate and the amplitude of action potentials were increased by 12% and 13% respectively. Nic 5.0 mumol.L-1 inhibited the positive chronotropic effects of isoproterenol and nicotine. The results suggest that Nic may block the calcium influx in SA node cells.
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