The effect of polarization on the action potentials of the rabbit AV nodal cells.

The resting potential of various parts of the AV nodal regions of an excised rabbit heart was changed by applying constant electrical current with a suction electrode. The membrane potential was recorded with an intracellular microelectrode and the maximum rate of rise of depolarization was computed. The action potential recorded from the AV nodal cell responded to constant current in a manner qualitatively similar to other myocardiums. The relationship between resting potential and amplitude of action potential was expressed by a straight line, while a sigmoidal relationship was observed between the resting potential and the maximum rate of rise of depolarization. Most of the initial current system in alpha region was inactivated at the control membrane potential. The maximum value of the maximum rate of rise of depolarization of alpha region was 30 V/sec which was lower than that of other parts of the nodal region.