The development of L-type Ca(2+) current mediated alternans does not depend on the restitution slope in canine ventricular myocardium

Cardiac alternans have crucial importance in the onset of ventricular fibrillation. The early explanation for alternans development was the voltage-driven mechanism, where the action potential (AP) restitution steepness was considered as crucial determining factor. Recent results suggest that restitution slope is an inadequate predictor for alternans development, but several studies still claim the role of membrane potential as underlying mechanism of alternans. These controversial data indicate that the relationship of restitution and alternans development is not completely understood. APs were measured by conventional microelectrode technique from canine right ventricular papillary muscles. Ionic currents combined with fluorescent measurements were recorded by patch-clamp technique. APs combined with fluorescent measurements were monitored by sharp microelectrodes. Rapid pacing evoked restitution-independent AP duration (APD) alternans. When non-alternating AP voltage command was used, Ca(2+)(i)-transient (CaT) alternans were not observed. When alternating rectangular voltage pulses were applied, CaT alternans were proportional to I(CaL) amplitude alternans. Selective I(CaL) inhibition did not influence the fast phase of APD restitution. In this study we found that I(CaL) has minor contribution in shaping the fast phase of restitution curve suggesting that I(CaL)—if it plays important role in the alternans mechanism—could be an additional factor that attenuates the reliability of APD restitution slope to predict alternans.