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Cell-to-cell coupling studied in isolated ventricular cell pairs.

R Weingart1, P Maurer

  • 1Department of Physiology, University of Berne, Switzerland.

Experientia
|October 15, 1987
PubMed
Summary

The electrical resistance of the nexal membrane in cardiac cells is linear and unaffected by membrane potential. Changes in intracellular pH and calcium levels influence this resistance, impacting cell function.

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Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Cellular Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Cardiac cell-to-cell communication is crucial for coordinated heart function.
  • The electrical properties of the nexal membrane, mediating this communication, require detailed characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the electrical properties of the nexal membrane in adult rat and guinea pig ventricular cell pairs.
  • To determine the factors influencing nexal membrane resistance and its role in action potential propagation.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized whole-cell, tight-seal voltage-clamp recordings on isolated cardiac cell pairs.
  • Measured current-voltage relationships to determine nexal membrane resistance (rn).
  • Manipulated intracellular pH (pHi) and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) to assess their effects on rn.

Main Results:

  • Nexal membrane resistance (rn) was linear, ranging from 2-4 M omega.
  • rn was insensitive to sarcolemmal membrane potential (-90 to +30 mV) and exhibited no time-dependent gating.
  • Lowering pHi slightly increased rn; elevated [Ca2+]i increased rn and caused cell shortening.
  • Aliphatic alcohols and halothane induced uncoupling without cell shortening.

Conclusions:

  • The nexal membrane exhibits linear electrical properties largely independent of membrane potential.
  • Intracellular ion concentrations, particularly calcium, play a significant role in modulating nexal membrane resistance and cell behavior.
  • These findings provide insights into the mechanisms of cardiac electrical coupling and potential dysfunctions.

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