The actions of cesium (Cs) on intracellular sodium activity [Formula: see text], membrane potentials, and force were studied in sheep cardiac Purkinje and myocardial fibers superfused in vitro. In Purkinje fibers, Cs (2 mM) decreased diastolic depolarization, [Formula: see text] (−6.7%, p < 0.005), and force (−28.0%, p < 0.01). The effects of 4 and 8 mM Cs were more pronounced. In quiescent fibers, Cs (2–4 mM) also decreased [Formula: see text] (−17.3%, p < 0.005) and induced an initial hyperpolarization (+5.6 ± 1.3%, p < 0.005) followed by a return toward control. Diastolic depolarization was almost abolished by driving the fibers at 180/min (diastole was very short) but still Cs decreased [Formula: see text] (−15.4%). Tetrodotoxin decreased [Formula: see text] (−16.2%, p < 0.025) and reduced the Cs-induced fall in [Formula: see text] (−2.2%, p < 0.05). In zero [K]o, Cs decreased [Formula: see text] and caused repolarization. In 0.1 mM strophanthidin, Cs did not decrease [Formula: see text] any longer and affected the membrane potential little. In quiescent myocardial fibers, Cs (4 mM) decreased [Formula: see text] (−12.6%, p < 0.05) and transiently hyperpolarized (+2.1%). Rubidium (2 mM) decreased [Formula: see text] and resting potential in Purkinje fibers and in myocardial fibers and also decreased diastolic depolarization in Purkinje fibers. Thus, cesium and rubidium decrease [Formula: see text] and modify the membrane potential but not through a block of the inward pacemaker current If.Key words: rubidium, intracellular sodium activity, diastolic depolarization, tetrodotoxin, strophanthidin.