Pacemaker Cell Marker Antibody Kit

The intrinsic pacemaker system is responsible to initiate and to control the rhythmic contraction of the heart. Pacemaker cells are located in the sinoatrial node (SAN) in mammals and are considered to be the heart’s primary pacemaker cells. Sinoatrial nodal cells generate spontaneous action potentials (APs) responsible for controlling cardiac rate.  Studies show a number of cardiac diseases associated with changes in heart rate and specifically with the failing of pacemaker cell mechanisms such as in sick sinus syndrome and heart failure. Additional cardiac diseases occur because of the presence of mutations in pacemaker cell ion channels^1,3.

The sinoatrial node cell function is regulated by two main signaling cascades: the autonomic nervous system which stimulates membrane receptors that activate adrenergic or inactivate cholinergic adenylyl cyclase and the internal coupled-clock system.

Acceleration of action potential causes heart rate to increase by a mechanism that relies on an intracellular Ca²⁺ release and uptake process that is coupled to inward cell membrane ionic currents.  In response to β adrenergic receptor agonist stimulation, cardiac pacemaker cells can accelerate heart rate as part of the physiological fight-or-flight response^1,2.