Electrophysiological effect of trapidil on rabbit sinoatrial node cells

Effects of trapidil on the membrane potentials and currents of rabbit sinoatrial node cells were investigated by means of conventional microelectrode and double microelectrode voltage clamp methods. Trapidil (1 X 10(-4) M) increased the spontaneous firing frequency, the maximum rate of rise, action potential amplitude and the slope of the pacemaker depolarization. Action potential duration was shortened by the drug application. Voltage clamp experiments showed that trapidil increased both the slow inward current (isi) and the potassium outward current (iK). Trapidil fastened the recovery time constant of isi, while the drug did not change the time course of the outward current tail. The hyperpolarization-activated current (ih) was also increased by the drug. The results obtained indicate that at relatively high concentration trapidil produces a positive chronotropic effect on the sinoatrial node cells by mediating an increase in isi, iK and ih.