Use-dependent block of the pacemaker current If in rabbit sinoatrial node cells by zatebradine (UL-FS 49): On the mode of action of sinus node inhibitors

Abstract

Background. Zatebradine (UL-FS 49) is a drug with a specific bradycardiac electrophysiological profile. It reduces heart rate by lengthening the duration of diastolic depolarization in the sinoatrial (SA) node. The ionic basis of this action, however, is not clarified. Methods and Results. We used the whole-cell patch-clamp technique to study the effects of zatebradine on ionic currents underlying diastolic depolarization of isolated rabbit SA node cells. Low concentrations of zatebradine simultaneously reduced diastolic depolarization rate and the pacemaker current If. The drug blocked the pacemaker current, If, in a use-dependent manner without causing a shift of its activation curve. At hyperpolarized potentials, unblock of If occurred. Clinically relevant concentrations of the drug have little effect on the L-type calcium current or delayed rectifier potassium current. Conclusions. This use-dependent block of the If channel can account for most of the pharmacological characteristics of zatebradine and is probably the mechanism of heart rate reduction caused by this agent Thus, the sinus node inhibitor zatebradine belongs to a new class of "If blockers" with possible advantages over currently available drugs for the treatment of ischemic heart disease.