Expression and roles of Cav1.3 (α1D) L-Type Ca2+ Channel in atrioventricular node automaticity

► AV node provides the physiological delay between atrial and ventricular contraction. ► Presence of Cav1.3 Ca2+ channels in AV node in addition to Cav1.2. ► Cav1.3 plays an important role in AV node automaticity. ► Cav1.2 channel cannot functionally substitute for Cav1.3 channel in AV node. ► Identification of AV node-specific ion channels may provide a new therapeutic target.