Effects of anoxia on K and Ca currents in isolated guinea pig cardiocytes

Whole cell currents were measured in isolated cardiocytes of guinea pig under anoxic conditions (pO2 90%) to their complete disappearance in 2 to 4 (mean 2.87, n=15) seconds. Ca currents were not affected at the time when the first extra outward currents occurred. It is concluded that (i) the anoxia-induced outward current is carried by K+ ions probably through KATP channels which open at intracellular ATP concentrations below 1 mmol/l (Noma and Shibasaki 1985) and (ii) this degree of ATP depletion does not affect normal Ca channel function.