A sodium-activated potassium current in intact ventricular myocytes isolated from the guinea-pig heart

A current generated by the Na-activated K channel has been identified in whole cell currents recorded from isolated guinea-pig ventricular myocytes. A partial activation of this current can be achieved near to the physiological range of intracellular sodium concentration [( Na+]i) when it contributes significantly to the global outward current. The decline of the Na-activated K current, the lengthening of the action potential duration and the recovery of [Na+]i occur with a similar time course during recovery from Na loading.