Analysis of the hyperpolarizing effects of forskolin in guinea-pig atrial heart muscle.

The effects of forskolin on action potential configuration and on both uptake and efflux of 86Rb+ were studied in guinea-pig left atria. The action potential was prolonged by forskolin in the plateau range but shortened at the end of repolarization; maximal upstroke velocity and amplitude of slow response potentials were enhanced. In partially depolarized preparations, the resting potential was increased by forskolin; this effect was not prevented by atropine 1 μmol/1. Forskolin augmented the rate constant of 86Rb+ efflux in beating and in resting preparations. The uptake of 86Rbs+ was enhanced by forskolin in resting preparations. It is concluded that forskolin stimulates the Na+, K+ -pump…