Special electrodes are used to detect the change in membrane potential of a specific type of cardiac cell. These changes are recorded on the graph below.
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The deflection indicated by the arrow is most likely caused by movement of which of the following ions?
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The graph in the question stem illustrates an action potential typical of cardiac pacemaker cells, such as those found in the sinoatrial node. These action potentials are different from non-pacemaker cardiac action potentials in that phases 1 and 2 are absent and phase 4 represents a slow depolarization phase.
Pacemaker cells are unique in that they exhibit automaticity (an inherent ability to depolarize without any external influences). Automaticity is made possible by a inward, mixed sodium-potassium current (the funny current) that occurs during phase 4 of the action potential (Choice E). This current gradually brings the membrane potential closer to threshold, at which point phase 0 depolarization occurs due to a large increase in calcium influx (arrow). Pacemaker cell depolarization is then followed by phase 3 (repolarization), which is caused by an outward potassium current (Choice B).
In cardiomyocytes and Purkinje cells (non-pacemaker cells), phase 4 corresponds to the resting membrane potential and is typically stable at approximately -90 mV (near the equilibrium potential of potassium). Phase 0 of the non-pacemaker action potential is mediated by rapid sodium influx (Choice A), in contrast to the slower calcium-mediated depolarization of pacemaker cells. Phase 1 is an early short repolarization occurring immediately after depolarization that is caused by increased outflow of potassium and decreased sodium conductance. Phase 2 is the plateau phase of the action potential, during which an inward calcium current counteracts the outward movement of potassium ions that started in phase 1 (Choice F). Phase 3 (repolarization) occurs as the inward calcium current ceases while potassium continues to rush out of the cell.
Educational objective:
In cardiac pacemaker cells, phase 0 depolarization is mediated by an inward flux of calcium. This differs from phase 0 of cardiomyocytes and Purkinje cells, which results from an inward sodium current.