Some electrical and pharmacological properties of gap junctions between adult ventricular myocytes

R. L. White, D. C. Spray, A. C. Campos de Carvalho

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

104 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ventricular myocytes were isolated from adult rat hearts using the technique of Wittenberg and Robinson. These cells exhibited morphology, input resistance, time constant, and excitability expected for cells in intact cardiac tissue. Pairs of these cells were electrotonically coupled, and junctional conductance was unaffected by transjunctional potential or hyperpolarization of both cells. Brief exposure of cell pairs to medium equilibrated with 100% CO2 or containing 0.1 mM octanol quickly and reversibly decreased junctional conductance. We conclude that gap junctions between pairs of ventricular myocytes possess physiological properties like those of junctions in many other tissues. This preparation will be useful in evaluating drug action on junctional communication in heart.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)C447-C455
JournalAmerican Journal of Physiology - Cell Physiology
Volume18
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1985

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Some electrical and pharmacological properties of gap junctions between adult ventricular myocytes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this