<p>The initiation of SA node action potential is through slow Na+ channels (slow, inward depolarising current, note there are no fast Na channels. These pacemaker setting Na channels only act when it is VERY hyperpolarised, won't initiate otherwise). As the membrane potential rises, you get the additional opening of T-type calcium channels and then the opening of L-type calcium channels. These all add to the depolarisation until you reach the threshold potential where an AP can then fire. I think some K+ channels also close during this early depolarisation.</p>

<p>During the action potential rising phase (after threshold), it is primarily L-type Ca channels that are bringing Ca into the cell (the other channels close off a bit). As you reach the peak of the action potential, the L-type channels close and the K+ dawgs open, causing the repolarisation phase. Also note that the speed in which Ca2+ can move in through L-type channels is somewhat compromised compared to other channels, so it's slower and causes that slower up/rising phase (which is what you want in a pacemaker cell - check out the link for the shape of the SA node AP).</p>

<p><a href="http://cvphysiology.com/Arrhythmias/A004.htm" rel="nofollow">http://cvphysiology.com/Arrhythmias/A004.htm</a></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-03-25T08:48:16.177Z
2014-03-25T08:53:36.667Z
2014-03-25T08:53:36.667Z
Damien
<p>Cardiac cells rely on calcium for upstroke of the action potential, which is why they tend to have a slower rise than cells that rely on sodium for upstroke.</p>

<p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/vSqWe.jpg" alt="Comparison of nerve cell to cardiac cell"></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-03-25T00:07:18.867Z
2014-03-25T00:07:18.867Z
Keegan Keplinger
<p>Is a sinoatrial node action potential (AP) considered a Ca2+ dependent (No Na+) action potential? 
I was under the understanding that Ca2+ dependent APs were present only in Purkinje and endocrine cells, while cardiac and skeletal myocytes elicited Na+/Ca2+ dependent APs. But I am not sure which category sinoatrial node APs fall under. </p>

<neuroscience>
Is pacemaker action potential considered a calcium dependent or sodium/calcium dependent?
akire_3.14
# Is pacemaker action potential considered a calcium dependent or sodium/calcium dependent?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2014-03-12)

Is a sinoatrial node action potential (AP) considered a Ca2+ dependent (No Na+) action potential?
I was under the understanding that Ca2+ dependent APs were present only in Purkinje and endocrine cells, while cardiac and skeletal myocytes elicited Na+/Ca2+ dependent APs. But I am not sure which category sinoatrial node APs fall under.

**Tags:** neuroscience


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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2014-03-25. Score: 3

The initiation of SA node action potential is through slow Na+ channels (slow, inward depolarising current, note there are no fast Na channels. These pacemaker setting Na channels only act when it is VERY hyperpolarised, won't initiate otherwise). As the membrane potential rises, you get the additional opening of T-type calcium channels and then the opening of L-type calcium channels. These all add to the depolarisation until you reach the threshold potential where an AP can then fire. I think some K+ channels also close during this early depolarisation.

During the action potential rising phase (after threshold), it is primarily L-type Ca channels that are bringing Ca into the cell (the other channels close off a bit). As you reach the peak of the action potential, the L-type channels close and the K+ dawgs open, causing the repolarisation phase. Also note that the speed in which Ca2+ can move in through L-type channels is somewhat compromised compared to other channels, so it's slower and causes that slower up/rising phase (which is what you want in a pacemaker cell - check out the link for the shape of the SA node AP).

<http://cvphysiology.com/Arrhythmias/A004.htm>


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### Answer by username_2 on 2014-03-25. Score: 2

Cardiac cells rely on calcium for upstroke of the action potential, which is why they tend to have a slower rise than cells that rely on sodium for upstroke.

![Comparison of nerve cell to cardiac cell](https://i.sstatic.net/vSqWe.jpg)


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