Using glass microelectrodes, the authors measured basic electrophysiological parameters of the true pacemaker cells of the rabbit in an attempt to elucidate the postnatal drop in the frequency of action potentials produced by the sinoatrial node. The average rate of slow diastolic depolarization falls markedly between birth and adulthood, while the duration of the action potentials of the pacemaker cells become prolonged. These changes explain age-determined chronotropic development: the lower rate of slow diastolic depolarization in adult animals causes later attainment of the threshold; the longer action potential also contributes to prolongation of the cycle of membrane voltage changes in the pacemaker cells. The direct role of the postnatal increase in the maximum diastolic potential value is small, owing to a concomitant increase in the threshold potential value.