Depressed transient outward potassium current density in catecholamine-depleted rat ventricular myocytes

The effect of catecholamine depletion (induced by prior treatment with reserpine) was studied in Wistar rat ventricular myocytes using whole cell voltage-clamp methods. Two calcium-independent outward currents, the transient outward potassium current (I(to)) and the sustained outward potassium current (I(sus)), were measured. Reserpine treatment decreased tissue norepinephrine content by 97%. Action potential duration in the isolated perfused...