Na/K pump current in aggregates of cultured chick cardiac myocytes

Spontaneously beating aggregates of cultured embryonic chick cardiac myocytes, maintained at 37 degrees C, were voltage clamped using a single microelectrode switching clamp to measure the current generated by the Na/K pump (Ip). In resting, steady-state preparations an ouabain-sensitive current of 0.46 +/- 0.03 microA/cm2 (n = 22) was identified. This current was not affected by 1 mM Ba, which was used to reduce inward rectifier current (IK1) and linearize the current-voltage relationship. When K-free solution was used to block Ip, subsequent addition of Ko reactivated the Na/K pump, generating an outward reactivation current that was also ouabain sensitive. The reactivation current magnitude was a saturating function of Ko with a Hill coefficient of 1.7 and K0.5 of 1.9 mM in the presence of 144 mM Nao. The reactivation current was increased in magnitude when Nai was increased by lengthening the period of time that the preparation was exposed to K-free solution prior to reactivation. When Nai was raised by 3 microM monensin, steady-state Ip was increased more than threefold above the resting value to 1.74 +/- 0.09 microA/cm2 (n = 11). From these measurements and other published data we calculate that in a resting myocyte: (a) the steady-state Ip should hyperpolarize the membrane by 6.5 mV, (b) the turnover rate of the Na/K pump is 29 s-1, and (c) the Na influx is 14.3 pmol/cm2.s. We conclude that in cultured embryonic chick cardiac myocytes, the Na/K pump generates a measurable current which, under certain conditions, can be isolated from other membrane currents and has properties similar to those reported for adult cardiac cells.

An immunodominant murine lymphoma cell surface heterodimer marks thymic progenitor subsets

mAb 1C11 was raised against the cells of retrovirus-negative, radiation-induced thymomas of C57BL/Ka mice. MAb 1C11 binds to radiation- and RadLV-induced C57BL/Ka lymphomas, to lymphomas of other mouse strains and to B-lineage tumors. The 1C11 Ag is expressed on a subpopulation of normal thymocytes that is enriched in immature cells. After fractionated x-irradiation, this percentage increases gradually during the preleukemic period, hence mAb 1C11 appears to identify a transformation-related cell surface molecule. This conclusion is supported by experiments demonstrating that flow microfluorimetry-sorted, 1C11-expressing preleukemic thymocytes progress rapidly to full neoplasia following intrathymic injection, whereas nonexpressing cells do not. Most of day-14 fetal thymocytes are as strongly positive as thymic lymphomas for the 1C11 Ag whereas Ag-activated T cell lines express moderate levels. Multiparameter flow microfluorimetry analysis shows that 1C11 is expressed predominantly on CD3-/lo thymic blast cells of three phenotypically defined subsets: CD4-8-, CD4-8+, and CD4+8+, all of which contain thymic progenitors. By immunohistochemical staining, the Ag is also found in association with epithelial cells on a variety of normal, nonlymphoid tissue, but is not detectable on heart tissue. The 1C11 antibody immunoprecipitates a disulfide-linked heterodimeric protein of 85/37 kDa and the antigenic determinant is located on the H chain of the molecule. When analyzed by SDS-PAGE under nonreducing conditions, the molecule exists as a 130-kDa protein. Enzymatic digestion of the heterodimer indicates that the H chain, but not the L chain, has at least three N-linked glycosylation sites. We propose that this novel cell surface glycoprotein may be associated with processes of differentiation and lymphomagenesis.

Interaction of (Na + K + 2 Cl) cotransport and the Na/K pump in cultured chick cardiac myocytes

We have recently reported the presence of an electroneutral (Na + K + 2 Cl) cotransport mechanism that is bumetanide-sensitive and maintains Cli above its electrochemical equilibrium in cultured chick heart cells. In steady state, (Na + K + 2 Cl) cotransport is inwardly directed and so contributes to the Na influx that must be counterbalanced by the activity of the Na/K pump to maintain Nai homeostasis. We now show that manipulating (Na + K + 2 Cl) cotransport by restoring Clo to a Cl-free solution indirectly influences Na/K pump activity because the bumetanide-sensitive recovery of aiNa to its control level and the accompanying hyperpolarization could be blocked by 10(-4)M ouabain. In another protocol, when the Na/K pump was reactivated by restoring Ko (from 0.5 mM to 5.4 mM) and removing ouabain, the recovery of aNa was attenuated by 10(-4)M bumetanide. The relatively slow rate of ouabain dissociation coupled with the activation of Na influx by (Na + K + 2 Cl) cotransport clearly establishes the interaction of these transport mechanisms in regulating Nai. Although (Na + K + 2 Cl) cotransport is electroneutral, secondary consequences of its activity can indirectly affect the electrophysiological properties of cardiac cells.

Visual field defects detected in patients with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome: preliminary report

The presence of visual field anomalies was measured using Goldmann kinetic perimetry in twelve patients, age 7 to 39 with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome. Refraction to the cupola was carefully controlled. The visual acuity of the group was good to excellent. Visual field alterations were prechiasmal, generally non-symmetric, and best described as arcuate defects, steps, baring of the blind spot and enlargement of the blind spot. Central fields were most commonly affected, i.e., I/2e to I/1B isopters. There was no evidence of glaucoma in any of the patients although two patients exhibited keratoconus and another one manifested moderate to high astigmatism. Visual involvement other than ocular and lid tics have not been reported in Tourette syndrome. This research represents clear evidence of additional physical components in this condition. Automated visual field measurements are not recommended in this population because of the presence of non-predictable tic and vocal behavior (both may result in head/eye movements). Suppression of tic behavior can be very fatiguing. (Eight of twelve of the patients reported exhibited signs of marked fatigue during testing.)

Cytosolic free magnesium concentration in cultured chick heart cells

Cytosolic free magnesium (Mgi) was measured in embryonic chick heart cells loaded with one of two newly developed 19F nuclear magnetic reasonance (NMR)-sensitive magnesium chelators, 4-methyl,5-fluoro-2-aminophenol-N,N,O-triacetate (MF-APTRA) and 5-fluoro-2-aminophenol-N,N,O-triacetate (5F-APTRA). The cells, embedded in strands of collagen, were superfused at a rate that allowed for solution changes in 2 min. In this preparation 19F- and 31P-NMR spectra were stable for at least 3.5 h. Because Na-coupled Mg countertransport may be a possible mechanism of Mg transport, in some experiments extracellular Na was reduced to 1 mM (choline substituted). This manipulation caused a 2.5-fold increase in Mgi from the basal level of 0.56 mM. A significant proportion of this increase in Mgi could be secondary to an increase in Cai that occurs with low extracellular Na (Nao) perfusion (Nai-Cao exchange). Perfusing cells with nominally Ca-free, 1 mM Na salt solution substantially attenuated the increase in Mgi that occurred with Ca present (1.25 mM) in the low Na (1 mM) solution. Furthermore, perfusion with 1 mM Na, Mg-free salt solution caused a 1.5-fold increase in Mgi, which cannot be attributable to Nai-Mgo exchange. Therefore attempts to describe the regulation of Mgi in heart cells must differentiate between the effects of Nai-Mgo exchange and competition for binding sites that are secondary to stimulation of ion gradient-coupled mechanisms.

Intraosseous drug administration: successful resuscitation from asystole

The case of a seven-month-old infant presenting in full cardiac arrest and resuscitated utilizing a right tibial intraosseous access line is presented. The child who presented in asystole appears to be the first reported case of the successful use of the intraosseous route as the sole source of drug administration. Flow time from tibia to clinical cardiac response was noted to be less than three minutes, similar to those in animal arrest models.

Monitoring cytosolic free magnesium in cultured chicken heart cells by use of the fluorescent indicator Furaptra

Cytosolic free magnesium concentration [Mg2+]i and its regulation were studied in cultured embryonic chicken heart cells by use of the fluorescent indicator 2-[2-(5-carboxy)oxazole]-5-hydroxy-6-aminobenzofuran-N,N,O-triacet ic acid (Furaptra). The intracellular location of Furaptra was confirmed by its complete release from cells upon addition of saponin. The basal [Mg2+]i, which averaged 0.48 +/- 0.03 mM (n = 31), increased 3-fold on perfusion with sodium-free solution. This increase could not simply be attributed to intracellular sodium-extracellular magnesium exchange because a similar increase in [Mg2+]i occurred with magnesium-free, sodium-free perfusion. Furthermore, the increase in [Mg2+]i was largely attenuated when calcium was removed from the sodium-free perfusate. Thus, a substantial part of the increase in [Mg2+]i that occurs upon sodium-free perfusion is dependent on an increase in cytosolic free calcium (intracellular sodium-extracellular calcium exchange). The data suggest that [Mg2+]i is altered by calcium, most likely due to a competition for intracellular binding sites.

Infection of the SCID-hu mouse by HIV-1

SCID-hu mice with human fetal thymic or lymph node implants were inoculated with the cloned human immunodeficiency virus-1 isolate, HIV-1JR-CSF. In a time- and dose-dependent fashion, viral replication spread within the human lymphoid organs. Combination immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization revealed only viral RNA transcripts in most infected cells, but some cells had both detectable viral transcripts and viral protein. Infected cells were always more apparent in the medulla than in the cortex of the thymus. These studies demonstrate that an acute infection of human lymphoid organs with HIV-1 can be followed in the SCID-hu mouse.

Quantitative microchemical imaging of calcium in Na-K pump inhibited heart cells

Quantitative electron probe X-ray imaging techniques have been utilized to determine simultaneously the element content within a single cultured embryonic chick heart cell and its intracellular compartments as well as the average elemental content of several heart cells within a population. These features of microchemical imaging have permitted establishment of data regarding: (1) the heterogeneity of calcium accumulation in mitochondrial, cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments under conditions which elevate total cell calcium without producing irreversible cell injury; and (2) the variability of calcium accumulation from cell to cell within the population sampled. The results indicate that during Na-K pump inhibition (K-free HT-BSS, 10(-4) M ouabain, 60 min) elevation of mitochondrial calcium, measured in situ by electron probe X-ray microanalysis, to levels more than 100 times greater than in the basal state, may not cause irreversible mitochondrial uncoupling and cell death.

The SCID-hu mouse: murine model for the analysis of human hematolymphoid differentiation and function

The study of human hematopoietic cells and the human immune system is hampered by the lack of a suitable experimental model. Experimental data are presented showing that human fetal liver hematopoietic cells, human fetal thymus, and human fetal lymph node support the differentiation of mature human T cells and B cells after engraftment into mice with genetically determined severe combined immunodeficiency. The resultant SCID-hu mice are found to have a transient wave of human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and human IgG (immunoglobulin G) in the peripheral circulation. The functional status of the human immune system within this mouse model is not yet known.

Forced eruption combined with gingival fiberotomy. A technique for clinical crown lengthening

A new approach to clinical crown lengthening has been developed and described. The technique combines controlled eruptive tooth movement and incision of the supracrestal gingival attachment. The procedure was performed in patients with severe destruction of a tooth crown and in whom clinical crown lengthening procedures were essential before the teeth could be properly restored. Controlled eruptive forces were activated by simple orthodontic appliances. During the active phase of forced eruption, repeated intrasulcular incisions through the junctional epithelium and the supracrestal connective tissue attachment were performed. The technique prevented coronal displacement of the gingiva and the attachment apparatus during the orthodontic extrusion, thus overcoming the need for corrective osseous surgery.

The SCID-hu mouse: murine model for the analysis of human hematolymphoid differentiation and function

The study of human hematopoietic cells and the human immune system is hampered by the lack of a suitable experimental model. Experimental data are presented showing that human fetal liver hematopoietic cells, human fetal thymus, and human fetal lymph node support the differentiation of mature human T cells and B cells after engraftment into mice with genetically determined severe combined immunodeficiency. The resultant SCID-hu mice are found to have a transient wave of human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and human IgG (immunoglobulin G) in the peripheral circulation. The functional status of the human immune system within this mouse model is not yet known.

Timing of orthodontic tooth movement in a case with traumatized and avulsed anterior teeth

A traumatic injury to a patient undergoing orthodontic treatment resulted in avulsion, dislodgement, and fracture of upper anterior teeth. Deciding when to institute endodontic treatment and when to resume orthodontic treatment was based upon minimizing the changes for ankyloses and root resorption. Endodontic treatment was carried out two weeks after trauma, and orthodontic treatment continued three weeks after trauma. Radiographs taken six months, one year, and two years after orthodontic completion showed progressive root resorption to the avulsed tooth and minimum root resorption to the remaining anterior teeth.

Endoproteolytic cleavage of gp160 is required for the activation of human immunodeficiency virus

The envelope protein of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is synthesized as a polyprotein (gp160) and cleaved intracellularly to a gp120-gp41 heterodimer. In this study, the tryptic-like endoproteolytic cleavage site was removed by site-directed mutagenesis and replaced with a chymotryptic-like site. The resultant mutant, RIP7/mut10, was found to be indistinguishable from wild-type HIV when analyzed at the level of proviral replication, RNA processing, protein expression, and viral assembly. However, the gp160 polyprotein was not cleaved and the mutated virions were biologically inactive, until and unless they were exposed to limiting concentrations of chymotrypsin. As is the case for other enveloped mammalian viruses, endoproteolytic cleavage of the HIV envelope protein and release of a unique hydrophobic domain appear to be necessary for the full expression of viral infectivity.

Indirect induction of radiation lymphomas in mice. Evidence for a novel, transmissible leukemogen

The transmission of a lymphomagenic agent(s) from the bone marrow of irradiated mice to thymic target cells has been demonstrated by: (a) the induction of T cell lymphomas in nonirradiated thymic grafts implanted in irradiated, Thy-l-congenic mice, (b) the induction of T cell lymphomas of host origin in mice infused with bone marrow from irradiated, Thy-l-congenic donors. The latter procedure also yields an appreciable number of pre-B cell lymphomas of uncertain origin. The results confirm Kaplan's theory that radiation induces thymic lymphomas in mice by an indirect mechanism. However, the previously described radiation leukemia virus is clearly not involved in the majority of transferred lymphomas. We propose that the mediating agent in radiation lymphomagenesis is a novel, transmissible agent induced in the bone marrow, but exerting its transforming activity on cells in the thymus. The nature and mode of action of the agent are under investigation.

Na-K pump site density and ouabain binding affinity in cultured chick heart cells

The possible existence of multiple [3H]ouabain binding sites and the relationship between ouabain binding and Na-K pump inhibition in cardiac muscle were studied using cultured embryonic chick heart cells. [3H]ouabain bound to a single class of sites in 0.5 mM K (0.5 Ko) with an association rate constant (k+1) of 3.4 X 10(4) M-1.s-1 and a dissociation rate constant (k-1) of 0.0095 s-1 [corrected]. Maximal specific [3H]ouabain binding RT to myocyte-enriched cultures is 11.7 pmol/mg protein and Kd is 0.43 microM in 0.5 Ko, whereas Kd,apparent is 6.6 microM in 5.4 Ko. The number of binding sites per myocyte was calculated by correcting for the contribution of fibroblasts in myocyte-enriched cultures using data from homogeneous fibroblast cultures (RT = 3.3 pmol/mg protein; Kd = 0.19 microM in 0.5 Ko). Equivalence of [3H]ouabain binding sites and Na-K pumps was implied by agreement between maximal specific binding of [3H]ouabain and 125I-labeled monoclonal antibody directed against Na+-K+-ATPase (approximately 2 X 10(6) sites/cell). However, [3H]ouabain binding occurred at lower concentrations than inhibition of ouabain-sensitive 42K uptake in 0.5 Ko. Further studies in both 0.5 K and 5.4 Ko showed that ouabain caused cell Na content Nai to increase over the same range of concentrations that binding occurred, implying that increased Nai may stimulate unbound Na-K pumps and prevent a proportional decrease in 42K uptake rate. The results show that Na-K pump inhibition occurs as a functional consequence of specific ouabain binding and indicate that the Na-K pump is the cardiac glycoside receptor in cultured heart cells.

(Na + K + 2Cl) cotransport in cultured embryonic chick heart cells

The coupled movements of Na, K, and Cl were studied in cultured chick embryonic heart cells using ion-selective microelectrodes. Movements of K and Cl in response to changes in extracellular [K] ([K]o) showed a furosemide-sensitive coupled process. The movement of Na was then studied. Lowering extracellular [Na] ([Na]o) to 27 mM caused a decrease in intracellular Cl activity (aicl). Upon restoring [Na]o to 143 mM, Cl was taken up against its electrochemical gradient (delta mu Cl). In Cl-free solution, cells lost Na against delta mu Na and simultaneously lost Cl. Upon restoring extracellular [Cl] ([Cl]o), Cl was taken up against delta mu Cl; this was accompanied by an uptake of Na. The Cl uptake was 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (SITS)-insensitive (0.1 mM) but inhibited by removing Nao. Both Cl and Na uptakes were potentiated by raising [K]o from 5.4 to 15 mM, and Na uptake was diminished by lowering [K]o to 1 mM. In all experiments, Cl and Na movements were furosemide (0.3 mM) or bumetanide-sensitive (0.1 mM). Removal of Nao, with resultant depletion of intracellular [Na] ([Na]i), blocked the furosemide or bumetanide-sensitive Cl loss or uptake upon exposure to zero or 133 mM [K]o + SITS (0.1 mM), respectively. These results suggest that cultured heart cells possess an electroneutral (Na + K + 2Cl) cotransport.

Biochemical and structural changes in cultured heart cells induced by metabolic inhibition

We examined the relationship between ionic homeostasis, ATP, and irreversible cell injury in cultured embryonic chick heart cells treated with rotenone (10(-4) M) alone or in combination with iodoacetate (IAA) (10(-3) M), in the presence of extracellular calcium (Ca0) (2.7 mM) and its nominal absence. Changes in Na, K, and total cell Ca content did not correlate with parameters indicative of irreversible injury, i.e., ultrastructural damage or lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Because structural defects in the plasma membrane occurred without a significant release of LDH after exposure to rotenone plus IAA for 1 h, LDH release appears to be a relatively late event in cell injury. In addition, cells exposed to rotenone in the presence of Ca0 for 2.5 h showed a significant fall in ATP and a rise in LDH release. This response was attenuated in the nominal absence of Ca0, and the addition of rotenone caused an eightfold increase in intracellular sodium (Nai), whereas in the presence of Ca0, Nai increased only threefold in 2.5 h. Thus Ca0 appears to promote Nai-Ca0 exchange and lead to an increase in cell Ca that can then stimulate ATP breakdown by Ca-activated ATPases. Of the measured variables associated with myocardial cell injury, a decline in ATP correlates best with changes in either LDH or morphology. The apparent lack of correlation between changes in intracellular ion content, LDH release, and morphology supports the conclusion that myocardial cell injury is a multifactorial process.

Isolated muscle cells as a physiological model

Summary of a symposium presented by the American Physiological Society (Cell and General Physiology Section and Muscle Group) at the 70th Annual Meeting of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, St. Louis, Missouri, April 15, 1986, chaired by M. Lieberman and F. Fay. This symposium reflects a growing interest in seeking new technologies to study the basic physiological and biophysical properties of cardiac, smooth, and skeletal muscle cells. Recognizing that technical and analytical problems associated with multicellular preparations limit the physiological significance of many experiments, investigators have increasingly focused on efforts to isolate single, functional embryonic, and adult muscle cells. Progress in obtaining physiologically relevant preparations has been both rapid and significant even though problems regarding cell purification and viability are not fully resolved. The symposium draws attention to a broad, though incomplete, range of studies using isolated or cultured muscle cells. Based on the following reports, investigators should be convinced that a variety of experiments can be designed with preparations of isolated cells and those in tissue culture to resolve questions about fundamental physiological properties of muscle cells.

Free calcium in isolated chick embryo heart cells measured using quin2 and fura-2

Cytosolic free calcium (Cai) was measured using quin2 and fura-2 in isolated chick embryo heart cells. Account was taken of extracellular quin2 and fura-2 (which could not be entirely washed away) by adding Mn. Shortly after loading with quin2, Cai was 49 nM (n = 7) but then rose continuously at a rate varying between 13 and 88%/h. By varying the time between cell isolation and quin2 loading, it was ascertained that the loading was causing the rise in Cai. In one set of experiments, Cai was stable in time and the apparent Cai increased steadily from 55 to 179 nM as dye loading (quin2 or fura-2) was decreased from 1 mM to 5 microM. We conclude that although quin2 and fura-2 are useful for comparing Cai levels and determining whether Cai changes as a result of certain maneuvers, they do not provide an absolute measure of Cai in isolated embryonic heart cells.

Effects of sodium-potassium pump inhibition and low sodium on membrane potential in cultured embryonic chick heart cells

1. When the Na+-K+ pump of cultured embryonic chick heart cells was inhibited by addition of ouabain with or without removal of external K+, the membrane potential rapidly depolarized to -40 mV and the Na+ content approximately doubled within 3 min. 2. After this, exposure to an [Na+]o of 27 mM caused a fall in Na+ content, a gain in Ca2+ content and a hyperpolarization. The hyperpolarization was approximately 25 mV in a [K+]o of 0 or 5.4 mM after 3 min of pump inhibition. After approximately 10 min of pump inhibition, the same hyperpolarization was observed in a [K+]o of 5.4 mM but in K+-free solution the hyperpolarization increased to approximately 44 mV. 3. Varying [K+]o during the 10 min period of Na+-K+ pump inhibition showed that the increase in hyperpolarization was associated with the period of exposure to K+-free solution rather than the [K+]o at the time of lowering [Na+]o. 4. Changes in Na+ and Ca2+ content induced by exposure to an [Na+]o of 27 mM in K+-free solution were similar at 3 and 10 min. This and the above observations suggest that the increased hyperpolarization was due to an increased membrane resistance. 5. 10 mM-Cs+ reduced the low-[Na+]o hyperpolarization by 26% but did not significantly affect the movements of Na+ and Ca2+. 1 mM-La3+ reduced the low-[Na+]o hyperpolarization by 15%: it also totally blocked the rise in Ca2+ content and partially blocked the fall in Na+ content. 1 mM-Ba2+ reduced the low-[Na+]o hyperpolarization by 20%. 6. Raising [Ca2+]o from 2.7 to 13.5 mM produced similar but smaller hyperpolarizations (approximately 6 mV after 3 min pump inhibition). High [Ca2+]o caused a rise in Ca2+ content but no significant drop in Na+ content. The hyperpolarization in high [Ca2+]o was insensitive to verapamil (20 microM) and 10 mM-Cs+. 7. We conclude from the disparities between the magnitudes of the hyperpolarizations and the changes in ion contents that Na+-Ca2+ exchange cannot be unequivocally identified as electrogenic solely from the low-[Na+]o hyperpolarizations.

Electrogenic sodium-calcium exchange in cultured embryonic chick heart cells

1. The membrane potential (Em) of cultured chick embryonic heart cells depolarized to -36 mV after inhibition of the Na+-K+ pump by 0.1 mM-ouabain in a [K+]o of 24 mM: this was accompanied by a rise in Na+ content of approximately 65% in 3 min. Lowering [Na+]o to 27 mM then caused a fall in Na+ content, a rise in Ca2+ content and a small hyperpolarization of approximately 5 mV. The fall in Na+ content indicated a movement of Na+ which was in the opposite direction to the Na+ electrochemical gradient (a countergradient movement). 2. In the presence of 10 mM-Cs+ or 1 mM-Ba2+ the hyperpolarization was approximately 10 or approximately 30 mV, respectively. A 30 mV hyperpolarization took Em negative to the reversal potentials for K+, and Cl- as measured by ion-selective micro-electrodes. 3. The decay of the intracellular Na+ activity alpha iNa, in an [Na+]o of 27 mM followed a simple exponential time course (time constant, 36 s). The initial rate depended on the value to which [Na+]o was lowered in a manner suggesting a simple competitive inhibition of the exchange by external Na+. 4. The low-[Na+]o hyperpolarization was unaffected by amiloride (0.1 or 1 mM) or verapamil (20 microM). Both La3+ (1 mM) and Mn2+ (20 mM) blocked the hyperpolarization sufficiently to prevent Em hyperpolarizing negative to the reversal potentials for K+, Na+ and Cl-. 5. Re-establishing [Na+]o caused a rise in Na+ content and a countergradient drop in Ca2+ content. The effects of verapamil (20 microM), amiloride (0.1 and 1 mM), dichlorobenzamil (0.1 mM), quinidine (1 mM), Mn2+ (20 mM) and La3+ (1 mM) were tested on the movements of Na+ and Ca2+ both during exposure to an [Na+]o of 27 mM and on re-establishing [Na+]o. The only consistent and substantial effects were the attenuation by La3+ and Mn2+ and Ca2+ movements during exposure to an [Na+]o of 27 mM. However, neither La3+ nor Mn2+ affected the movements of Na+ and Ca2+ on re-establishing [Na+]o. 6. We conclude that cultured embryonic chick heart cells contain a Na+-Ca2+ exchange evidenced by the ability to cause movements of Na+ and Ca2+ which are counter to their respective electrochemical gradient and which are accompanied by downhill movements of the counter ion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)