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Objective Astrocytes have long been described as "passive" marked by ubiquitous expression of large and predominant K+ current and a relatively uniform population of cells.However, the expression of voltage-activated ion channels in astrocytes has not been well-described.Meanwhile, more studies are focus on the heterogeneity of astrocytes in their morphology and functions in recent years.The present study is to investigate the expression pattern and functions of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel (HCN channel) on astrocytes, and to confirm their heterogeneity in HCN channels.Methods Expression of HCN channels on mice cortical astrocytes in primary cultures was identified by Western blot and Real Time PCR.Electrophysiological activity was measured by whole cell recording.Single-cell RT-quantitative PCR combined with whole cell recording were used to analyze expression of HCN channel subtypes and their excitability in single astrocyte or neuron.Results (1) All four HCN channel subtypes were expressed on astrocytes but in various expression patterns.(2) The type of HCN channel influences astrocytic resting membrane potential and hyperpolarization-activated cation current.(3) Astrocytes could be classified into four different sub-populations based on their electrophysiological features.Conclusion HCN channels are functional and heterogeneous on astrocytes.