Аннотация:Mechanisms of cardiac automaticity exhibited in the mammalian sinoatrial node and different types of its regulation have been extensively studied during the last century using electrophysiological and biochemical methods. According to the novel conceptions, automaticity is a result of complex interactions between the membrane ion channels and the system of intracellular calcium turnover. Besides this, interactions between the cells forming the sinoatrial node are of great importance for understanding the functioning of that structure. Sinoatrial automaticity is regulated mainly by acetylcholine and noradrenaline, released from parasympathetic and sympathetic nerve fibers respectively. These neurotransmitters take antagonistic action on cAMP second messenger system via G-protein coupled receptors. Moreover, acetylcholine activates special potassium current suppressing automaticity.