Effect of trimebutine maleate on sinus node pacemaker activity of the rabbit

The electrophysiological effects of trimebutine maleate were studied on rabbit sinus node cells with the two-microelectrode voltage clamp method. Trimebutine (above 10 microM) produced a negative chronotropic effect accompanied by decreases in the maximum upstroke velocity at phase 0, slope of phase 4 depolarization and action potential amplitude. The effects on the current systems were depression of the slow inward current and a decrease in the current oscillations induced by elevating [Ca]0. It is concluded that trimebutine exerts a Ca2+ channel blocking effect on the sinus node pacemaker cells.