Sodium fluxes in internally dialyzed squid axons

Vanadate selectively inhibits the Ko+-activated Na+ efflux in squid axons

The effects of internally applied 1 mM vanadate on the Na+ efflux in dialysed squid axons were found to depend on the presence of external K+. In K+-free artificial sea water, vanadate did not produce any change in the rate of Na+ efflux, whereas in the presence of 10 mM K+ the Na+ efflux was reduced to values even lower than those observed in the absence of K+ (inversion of the K+-free effect). In vanadate-poisoned axons, K+ and NH+4 at low concentrations activated Na+ efflux, but at high concentrations both cations were inhibitory. However, NH+4 was always a better activator and a poorer inhibitor than K+.

Magnesium influx in dialyzed squid axons

The influx of magnesium from seawater into squid giant axons has been measured under conditions where internal solute control in the axon was maintained by dialysis. Mg influx is smallest (1 pmol/cm2 sec) when both Na and ATP have been removed from the axoplasm by dialysis. The addition of 3 mM ATP to the dialysis fluid gives a Mg influx of 2.5 pmol/cm2 sec while the addition of [Na]i and [ATP]i gives 3 pmol/cm2 sec as a value for Mg influx; this corresponds well with fluxes measured in intact squid giant axons. The Mg content of squid axons is 6 mmol/kg axoplasm; this is unaffected by soaking axons in Li or Na seawater for periods of up to 100 min.

Pumped movements of sodium and potassium ions in the isolated epithelium of the frog skin

The action of agents with well known effects on transepithelial Na transport was tested on Na extrusion in epithelial cells of the frog skin. The cells had been previously loaded with Na by incubation in cold, K-free solutions. DNP (5 X 10(-4)M) totally inhibited Na extrusion and K uptake, while amiloride (10(-5) M) did not show any effect on either of these processes. Ouabain (10(-6)M) and absence of K from the medium inhibited completely Na extrusion and K uptake without changing cell water content. Probably the most interesting finding is that K activated Na extrusion along a sigmoid curve, which suggests that, as in other cells, the Na pump of these epithelial cells has 2 sites for K activation. The half-activation concentration of the site with highest affinity was 0.27 mM, the other 1.3 mM. Na extrusion significantly exceeded K uptake either at low K in the medium or during initial recovery in normal K Ringer. This may indicate an electrogenic mode of pump activity.

Effects of internal and external cations and of ATP on sodium-calcium and calcium-calcium exchange in squid axons

Calcium-45 efflux was measured in squid axons whose internal solute concentration was controlled by internal dialysis. Most of the Ca efflux requires either external Na (Na-Ca exchange) or external Ca plus in alkali metal ion (Ca-Ca exchange; cf. Blaustein & Russell, 1975). Both Na-Ca and Ca-Ca exchange are apparently mediated by a single mechanism because both are inhibited by Sr and Mn, and because addition of Na to an external medium optimal for Ca-Ca exchange inhibits Ca efflux. The transport involves simultaneous (as opposed to sequential) ion counterflow because the fractional saturation by internal Ca (Cai) does not affect the external Na (Nao) activation kinetics; also, Nao promotes Ca efflux whether or not an alkali metal ion is present inside, whereas Ca-Ca exchange requires alkali metal ions both internally and externally (i.e., internal and external sites must be appropriately loaded simultaneously). ATP increases the affinity of the transport mechanism for both Cai and Nao, but it does not affect the maximal transport rate at saturating [Ca2+]i and [Na+]o; this suggest that ATP may be acting as a catalyst of modulator, and not as an energy source. Hill plots of the Nao activation data yield slopes congruent to 3 for both ATP-depleted and ATP-fueled axons, compatible with a 3 Na+-for-1 Ca2+ exchange. With this stoichiometry, the Na electrochemical gradient alone could provide sufficient energy to maintain ionized [Ca2+]i in the physiological range (about 10(-7) M).

The control of ionized calcium in squid axons

Measurements of the Ca content, [Ca](T), of freshly isolated squid axons show a value of 60 mumol/kg axoplasm. Axons in 3 mM Ca(Na) seawater show little change in Ca content over 4 h, while axons in 3 mM Ca(Na) seawater show little change in Ca content over 4 h, while axons in 10 mM Ca(Na) seawater show gains of 18 mumol/Ca/kgxh. In 10 Ca (Choline) seawater the gain is 2,400 mumol/kgxh. Using aequorin confined to a dialysis capillary in the center of an axon, one finds that [Ca](i) is in a steady state with 3 Ca (Na) seawater, and that both 10 Ca (Na) and 3 Ca (choline) seawater cause increases in [Ca](i). In 3 Ca (Na) seawater-3 Ca (choline) seawater mixtures, 180 mM [Na](0) (40 perecent Na) is as effective as 450 mM [Na](0) (100 percent Na) in maintaining a normal [Ca](1); lower [Na] causes an increase in [Ca](i). If axons are injected with the ATP-splitting enzyme apyrase, the resulting [Ca](1) is not loading with high [Ca](0) or low [Na](0) solutions. Depolarization of an axon with 100 mM K (Na) seawater leads to an increase in the steady-state level of [Ca](1) that is reversed upon returning the axon to normal seawater. Freshly isolated axons treated with either CN or FCCP to inhibit mitochondrial Ca buffering can still maintain a normal [Ca](i) in 1 Ca (Na) seawater.

Sodium efflux in Myxicola giant axons

Several properties of the Na pump in giant axons from the marine annelid Myxicola infundibulum have been determined in an attempt to characterize this preparation for membrane transport studies. Both NaO and KO activated the Na pump of normal microinjected Myxicola axons. In this preparation, the KO activation was less and the NaO activation much greater than that found in the squid giant axon. However, when the intracellular ATP:ADP ratio of the Myxicola axon was elevated by injection of an extraneous phosphagen system, the K sensitivity of Na efflux increased to the magnitude characteristic of squid axons and the activating effect of NaO disappeared. Several axons were injected with Na2SO4 in order to determine the effect of elevated Nai on the Na efflux. Increasing Nai enhanced a component of Na efflux which was insensitive to ouabain and dependent on [Ca] in Na-free (Li) seawater. After subtracting the CaO-dependent fraction, Na efflux was related linearly to [Na]i in all solutions except in K-free (Li) seawater, where it appeared to reach saturation at high [Na]i.

Magnesium efflux in dialyzed squid axons

The efflux of Mg++ from squid axons subject to internal solute control by dialysis is a function of ionized [Mg], [Na], [ATP], and [Na]o. The efflux of Mg++ from an axon with physiological concentrations of ATP, Na, and Mg inside into seawater is of the order of 2-4 pmol/cm2s but this efflux is strongly inhibited by increases in [Na]i, by decreases in [ATP]i, or by decreases in [Na]o. The efflux of Mg++ is largely independent of [Mg]i when ATP is at physiological levels, but in the absence of ATP reaches half the value of Mg efflux in be presence of ATP when [Mg]i is about 4 mM and [Na] 40 mM. Half-maximum responses to ATP occur at about 350 micronM ATP into seawater with Na either present or absent. The Mg efflux mechanism has many similarities to the Ca efflux system in squid axons especially with respect to the effects of ATP, Nao, and Na on the flux. The concentrations of free Mg and Ca in axoplasm differ, however, by a factor of 10(5) while the observed fluxes differ by a factor of 10(2).

The influence of cardioactive steroids, metabolic inhibitors, temperature and sodium on membrane conductance and potential of crayfish giant axons

1. The resting membrane potential and the current-voltage relation were measured in crayfish giant axons before and after treatment with cardioactive steroids, metabolic inhibitors, extracellular sodium depletion and low temperature. 2. The membrane resistance of axons treated with cardioactive steroids, metabolic inhibitors, and low extracellular sodium was reduced by 30-53% depending on the treatment. Low temperature also caused a decrease in the membrane resistance of the axon but the decrease was limited to potentials around the resting membrane potential. The temperature response of sodium depleted or ouabain treated axons was an increase in resistance at all points along the current-voltage relation. 3. All inhibitors and low temperature caused a depolarization of the membrane potential. Ouabain and strophanthidin were the most effective, reducing the membrane potential by an average of 9.6 mV in 10-20 min. Low sodium did not cause a depolarization but consistently reduced the membrane resistance by an average of 30%. 4. The data suggest that there is an interaction between the activity of the ouabain-sensitive transport system and resting membrane resistance in the crayfish axon.

The influence of chloride on the ouabain-sensitive membrane potential and conductance of crayfish giant axons

1. Resting potential and current-voltage relation were measured in crayfish giant axons bathed in chloride-free and sodium-free solutions with and without ouabain. 2. Chloride-free solution caused a transient depolarization but did not alter the steady-state membrane potential. Utilizing isethionate as an anion substitute, the membrane resistance increased 12.5%. 3. In the absence of extracellular chloride, ouabain (0.5-1 mM) depolarized the axon 6-7 mV. The shape of the current-voltage relation did not change but the curve was shifted along the current axis. 4. These results indicate that ouabain inhibits a steady-state hyperpolarizing electrogenic pump current of approximately 3 muA/cm2. 5. Extracellular sodium removal from axons equilibrated in chloride-free solutions transiently hyperpolarized the membrane 6-7 mV without a change in membrane resistance. The transient hyperpolarization was ouabain and temperature sensitive. The steady-state potential reached in sodium-free and chloride-free solution was not ouabain sensitive. Temperature sensitivity of the steady-state membrane potential was greatly reduced. 6. The transient hyperpolarization produced by extracellular sodium removal was metabolically driven and may present the expression of a sodium efflux transport current of 7.0-7.5 muA/cm2. 7. Using electrophysiologically measured parameters, sodium and potassium conductance, influx and efflux currents and the coupling ratio for sodium/potassium transport are calculated from a modification of the conductance equation. 8. The sodium/potassium transport coupling ratio for steady-state conditions was estimated at 5:3 (1.67:1).

Stimulation of the sodium pump by azide and high internal sodium: changes in the number of pumping sites and turnover rate

1. The effects of 5 mM azide on [3H]ouabain uptake and 22Na efflux were determined. Both glycoside uptake and 22Na efflux were enhanced by azide. 2. Azide stimulated the Na pump in muscles whose pumping sites had been inhibited by ouabain and then transferred to a glycoside-free solution. This stimulation was observed before detecting any recovery of the initial pumping activity. 3. When both the resting and the azide-stimulated 22Na efflux had been blocked by ouabain, an additional exposure to azide, in a ouabain-free solution, had no further effects on 22Na efflux. 4. It is concluded that the increase in Na pumping caused by azide is due in part to an increase in the number of pumping sites. 5. [3H]ouabain binding was measured in muscles with different intracellular alkali cation concentrations. Variations in [Na]i from 15 up to 50 mM did not significantly affect the amount of glycoside bound. A substantial increase in binding occurred when [Na]i reached 70 mM. 6. It is proposed that the increase in Na extrusion that occurs during the recovery of Na loaded muscles mostly results from an increased turnover rate of the pump rather than from an increase in number of pumping sites.

The sodium pump: a ghost story

Evidence that the sodium plus potassium activated adenosinetriphosphatase ((Na + K)-ATPase) is present and functions normally in a red blood cell ghost is summarised. The case is then argued that since ghost move neither sodium nor potassium against an electrochemical gradient, the (Na+ + K)-ATPase is not in itself sufficient to generate transmembrane gradients of sodium and potassium ions. If it is not sufficient in ghost, then it cannot be sufficient in intact cells, but most somehow work co-operatively with the cytoplasm. An alternative hypothesis to that of carrier-mediated transported is then proposed, and shown to be consistent with data on intact cells, membrane homogenates, ghosts, and membrane vesicles derived from bacteria.

Deviating flux ratios for Na+ in ouabain-treated frog skin

Unidirectional Na+ fluxes across ouabain-treated frog skins were measured at different applied voltages. The calculated influx/efflux ratios appear to deviate markedly from Ussing's flux-ratio equation. This means that interactions of Na+ ions with some component in the system occur. Possible mechanisms, responsible for this phenomenon, are indicated.

Components of O2-uptake by excised frog nerve dependent upon externally supplied sodium ions

The steady rate of oxygen uptake of excised frog nerves equilibrated in a solution having a very low concentration of sodium ions increases to a new high steady rate when equilibrated with a solution containing a high concentration of this ion. The increase is suppressed by ouabain, indicating participation of the sodium pump. Part of this sodium-activated increase in oxygen uptake is inhibited by tetrodotoxin, indicating that passive influx of sodium ions into axons is part of the total process. Thus, two pathways for passive sodium influx into axons are suggested by these experiments. Procedures known to increase the passive permeability of axons for sodium ions also increase this sodium-activated oxygen uptake. A mechanism is proposed to explain that part of the sodium-activated oxygen uptake that is inhibited by tetrodotoxin.

Calcium and EDTA fluxes in dialyzed squid axons

Ca efflux in dialyzed squid axons was measured with 45Ca as a function of internal ionized Ca in the range 0.005-10 muM. Internal Ca stores were depleted by treatment with CN and dialysis with media free of high energy compounds. The [Ca]iota was stabilized with millimolar concentrations of EDTA, EGTA, or DTPA. Nonspecific leak of chelated Ca was measured with [14C]-EDTA and found to be 0.02 pmol/cm2s/mM EDTA. Correction of the measured Ca efflux for this leak of chelated calcium was made when appropriate. Ca efflux was roughly linear with internal free Ca in the range 0.005-0.1 muM. Above 0.1 muM, efflux was less than proportional to concentration but did not saturate at the highest concentration studied. Ca efflux was reduced about 50% by replacement of external Na with Li at Caiota approximately 1 muM, but was insensitive to such replacement for Ca less than 0.1 muM. Ca efflux was insensitive to internal Mg in the range 0-4 mM, indicating that the Ca pump favors Ca over Mg by a factor of about 10(6). Ca efflux was reduced about 60% by increasing internal Na from 1 to 80 mM. This effect could represent weak interference of a Ca carrier by Na or a loss of driving force because of a reduction in ENa - Em occasioned by an increase in Naiota. A few measurements were made of Ca influx in intact and in dialyzed fibers. In both cases, Ca influx increased when external Na was replaced by Li.

Sodium-calcium exchange and calcium-calcium exchange in internally dialyzed squid giant axons

The influx and efflux of calcium (as 45Ca) and influx of sodium (as 24Na) were studied in internally dialyzed squid giant axons. The axons were poisoned with cyanide and ATP was omitted from the dialysis fluid. The internal ionized Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was controlled with Ca-EGTA buffers. With [Ca2+]i greater than 0.5 muM, 45Ca efflux was largely dependent upon external Na and Ca. The Nao-dependent Ca efflux into Ca-free media appeared to saturate as [Ca2+]i was increased to 160 muM; the half-saturation concentration was about 8 muM Ca2+. In two experiments 24Na influx was measured; when [Ca2+]i was decreased from 160 muM to less than 0.5 muM, Na influx declined by about 5 pmoles/cm2 sec. The Nao-dependent Ca efflux averaged 1.6 pmoles/cm2 sec in axons with a [Ca2+]i of 160 muM, and was negligible in axons with a [Ca2+]i of less than 0.5 muM. Taken together, the Na influx and Ca efflux data may indicate that the fluxes are coupled with a stoichiometry of about 3 Na+-to-1 Ca2+. Ca efflux into Na-free media required the presence of both Ca and an alkali metal ion (but not Cs) in the external medium. Ca influx from Li-containing media was greatly reduced when [Ca2+]i was decreased from 160 to 0.23 muM, or when external Li was replaced by choline. These data provide evidence for a Ca-Ca exchange mechanism which is activated by certain alkali metal ions. The observations are consistent with a mobile carrier mechanism which can exchange Ca2+ ions from the axoplasm for either 3 Na+ ions, or one Ca2+ and an alkali metal ion (but not Cs) from the external medium. This mechanism may utilize energy from the Na electrochemical gradient to help extrude Ca against an electrochemical gradient.

Movements of labelled sodium ions in isolated rat superior cervical ganglia

1. Isolated rat superior cervical ganglia were incubated in Krebs solution containing (24)Na and carbachol for 4 min at 25 degrees C. They were then washed at 3 degrees C for 15 min to remove extracellular (24)Na and the efflux of residual intracellular (24)Na stimulated by warming to 25 degrees C.2. During the 15 min wash at 3 degrees C desaturation curves became exponential with a rate constant of 0.012 +/- 0.001 min(-1) (n = 24). This was assumed to represent loss of intracellular (24)Na, and initial uptake of (24)Na was calculated therefrom by back-extrapolation to zero wash-time. After 4 min in (24)Na + 180 muM carbachol intracellular [(24)Na] so calculated was 61.6 +/- 3.1 mM (n = 18), representing 83% labelling of intracellular Na. In the absence of carbachol intracellular [(24)Na] was 10.0 +/- 0.5 mM, representing 49% labelling. Extracellular Na was labelled by > 90% after 4 min in (24)Na. The apparent rate constant for washout of extracellular (24)Na was 0.6 min(-1) at 3 degrees C and 0.95 min(-1) at 25 degrees C.3. The loss of the residual intracellular (24)Na during temperature stimulation was interpreted quantitatively in terms of an exponential decline of the bulk of intracellular (24)Na with an extrusion rate constant of 0.39 +/- 0.1 min(-1) (n = 18), efflux being delayed by passage through the extracellular space with an effective rate constant of 0.8-1.2 min(-1).4. The peak rate constant (k(C)) for the desaturation curve at 25 degrees C was 0.35 +/- 0.01 min(-1). An Arrhenius plot of log k(C)/T degrees K(-1) yielded a two-stage linear regression with a transition at 20 degrees C. Activation energies of 8 and 31 kcal. mole(-1) were calculated above and below this transition respectively.5. Omission of K from the 25 degrees C temperature-stimulating solution reduced k(C) by 62%. The K-sensitive component of extrusion rate constant was a hyperbolic function of [K](e) with half-saturation at 5.6 mM-[K](e) and maximum k(C) of 0.58 min(-1).6. Cyanide (2 mM), 2,4-dinitrophenol (1 mM) and ouabain (1.4 mM) reduced k(C) by 50-90%. The half-maximally inhibiting concentration of ouabain was about 60 muM.7. Substitution of sucrose, Li or choline for external Na did not reduce the extrusion rate of (24)Na in either 6 mM-[K](e) or 0 mM-[K](e). Li stimulated (24)Na extrusion in Na-free, K-free solution.8. The properties of the ganglionic Na pump deduced from rates of temperature-stimulated (24)Na extrusion accord with the view that the ganglion hyperpolarization observed after Na loading by exposure to nicotinic depolarizing agents results from electrogenic Na extrusion. A comparable hyperpolarization is observed after temperature stimulation following Na loading.

Effect of ATP on the calcium efflux in dialyzed squid giant axons

Dialysis perfusion technique makes it possible to control the internal composition of squid giant axons. Calcium efflux has been studied in the presence and in the virtual absence (<5 microM) of ATP. The mean calcium efflux from axons dialyzed with 0.3 microM ionized calcium, [ATP](i) > 1,000 microM, and bathed in artificial seawater (ASW) was 0.24 +/- 0.02 pmol.cm(-2).s(-1) (P/CS) (n = 8) at 22 degrees C. With [ATP](i) < 5 microM the mean efflux was 0.11 +/- 0.01 P/CS (n = 15). The curve relating calcium efflux to [ATP](i) shows a constant residual calcium efflux in the range of 1-100 microM [ATP](i). An increase of the calcium efflux is observed when [ATP](i) is >100 microM and saturates at [ATP](i) > 1,000 microM. The magnitude of the ATP-dependent fraction of the calcium efflux varies with external concentrations of Na(+), Ca(++), and Mg(++). These results suggest that internal ATP changes the affinity of the calcium transport system for external cations.

The (Na++K+) activated enzyme system and its relationship to transport of sodium and potassium

It seems to be the membrane bound (Na++K+)-activated enzyme system which transforms the energy from a hydrolysis of ATP into a vectorial movement of sodium out and potassium into the cell against electrochemical gradients, i.e. this systems seems to be the transport system for sodium and potassium (see, for example, review by Skou, 1972; Hokin & Dahl, 1972).

A kinetic description for sodium and potassium effects on (Na+ plus K+)-adenosine triphosphatase: a model for a two-nonequivalent site potassium activation and an analysis of multiequivalent site models for sodium activation

1. Dissociation constants for sodium and potassium of a site that modulates the rate of ouabain-(Na(+)+K(+))-ATPase interaction were applied to models for potassium activation of (Na(+)+K(+))-ATPase. The constants for potassium (0.213 mM) and for sodium (13.7 mM) were defined, respectively, as activation constant, K(a) and inhibitory constant, K(i).2. Tests of the one- and the two-equivalent site models, that describe sodium and potassium competition, revealed that neither model adequately predicts the activation effects of potassium in the presence of 100 or 200 mM sodium.3. The potassium-activation data, obtained at low potassium and high sodium, were explained by a two-nonequivalent site model where the dissociation constants of the first site are 0.213 mM for potassium and 13.7 mM for sodium. The second site was characterized by dissociation constants of 0.091 mM for potassium and 74.1 mM for sodium.4. The two-nonequivalent site model adequately predicted the responses to concentrations of potassium between 0.25 and 5 mM in the presence of 100-500 mM sodium. At lower sodium concentrations the predicted responses formed an upper limit for the function of observed activities. This limit was reached at lower concentrations of potassium and higher concentrations of sodium, which inferred saturation of the sodium-activation sites with sodium.5. Sodium-activation data were corrected for sodium interaction with potassium-activation sites by use of the two-nonequivalent site model for potassium activation. Tests of equivalent site models suggested that the corrected data for sodium activation may be most consistent with a model that has three-equivalent sites. Other multiequivalent site models (n = 2, 4, 5 or 6), however, cannot be statistically eliminated as possibilities. The three-equivalent site activation model was characterized by dissociation constants of 1.39 mM for sodium and 11.7 mM for potassium. The system theoretically would be half-maximally activated by 5.35 mM sodium in the absence of potassium.6. Derivation of the model for sodium activation assumed that the affinities of these sites for sodium and potassium are independent of cation interactions with the potassium-activation sites. Therefore, the kinetic descriptions for sodium and potassium effects form a composite model that is consistent with simultaneous transport of sodium and potassium.7. Predictions of the composite equation are in reasonable agreement with data obtained by variation of sodium (potassium = 10 mM), variation of potassium (sodium = 100 mM) and by simultaneous variation of sodium and potassium (sodium:potassium = 10). Sodium-activation data (2.5-20 mM sodium) also agree with predictions of the model in the presence of potassium concentrations which are thought to be present at the sodium-activation sites in vivo.8. The kinetic description for sodium (three-equivalent sites) and potassium (two-nonequivalent sites) activation of the transport-ATPase is in accord with the probable stoichiometric requirements of the sodium pump. The model is also in general agreement with other studies on intact transporting systems and (Na(+)+K(+))-ATPase in fragmented membrane preparations with respect to potassium activation, although there is a quantitative disagreement. The model for sodium activation, though consistent with data obtained by other studies on fragmented (Na(+)+K(+))-ATPase preparations, is in apparent variance with much of the data obtained for intact transporting systems. The description for potassium activation suggests that the rates of ouabain binding to (Na(+)+K(+))-ATPase are modulated by competition between sodium and potassium for one of the two potassium-activation sites.

An analysis of the leakages of sodium ions into and potassium ions out of striated muscle cells

Net sodium influx under K-free conditions was independent of the intracellular sodium ion concentration, [Na](i), and was increased by ouabain. Unidirectional sodium influx was the sum of a component independent of [Na](i) and a component that increased linearly with increasing [Na](i). Net influx of sodium ions in K-free solutions varied with the external sodium ion concentration, [Na](o), and a steady-state balance of the sodium ion fluxes occurred at [Na](o) = 40 mM. When solutions were K-free and contained 10(-4) M ouabain, net sodium influx varied linearly with [Na](o) and a steady state for the intracellular sodium was observed at [Na](o) = 13 mM. The steady state observed in the presence of ouabain was the result of a pump-leak balance as the external sodium ion concentration with which the muscle sodium would be in equilibrium, under these conditions, was 0.11 mM. The rate constant for total potassium loss to K-free Ringer solution was independent of [Na](i) but dependent on [Na](o). Replacing external NaCl with MgCl(2) brought about reductions in net potassium efflux. Ouabain was without effect on net potassium efflux in K-free Ringer solution with [Na](o) = 120 mM, but increased potassium efflux in a medium with NaCl replaced by MgCl(2). When muscles were enriched with sodium ions, potassium efflux into K-free, Mg(++)-substituted Ringer solution fell to around 0.1 pmol/cm(2).s and was increased 14-fold by addition of ouabain.

Computer simulation of after-inhibition in crayfish slowly adapting stretch receptor neuron

A theoretical model is described which is able to mimic the responses of slowly adapting stretch receptor neurons of crayfish to applied currents. Its principal feature is postspike inhibition, in which each nerve impulses produces a small inhibitory current that decays with a simple exponential time-course that is long compared with normal interspike intervals. The model was simulated with both an analogue and a digital computer. Parameters for particular model neurons were determined both by an analysis of experimental data obtained from adaptation to constant injected currents, and by matching computer output to the data. Parameter values estimated by the two techniques agreed within +/-10%. Model parameters determined from adaptation data successfully predicted the magnitude and time-course of posttetanic hyperpolarization (PTH) in the stretch receptor neuron. In addition, model neurons were able to reproduce posttetanic depression (PTD) as seen in stretch receptor cells.

Inhibition of the sodium pump in squid giant axons by cardiac glycosides: dependence on extracellular ions and metabolism

1. The rate of inhibition of the Na pump by ouabain was examined both by direct measurement of the rate of decline of the Na efflux and by the binding of [(3)H]ouabain.2. The onset of inhibition of the Na efflux was concentration-dependent; but did not follow simple first order kinetics. The time course of inhibition was roughly exponential although in about 30% of the axons inhibition was preceded by a transient stimulation of the Na efflux.3. Inhibition of the Na efflux by both ouabain and strophanthidin was apparently irreversible.4. The onset of inhibition was slowed markedly at low temperatures.5. Replacement of external Na by choline, dextrose or potassium slowed the rate of inhibition. Li behaved like Na and inhibition was faster in K-ASW than in choline-ASW.6. The rate of inhibition of Na-Na exchange was similar to that of Na-K exchange, but ouabain failed to bind securely to fully poisoned axons.7. Two components of [(3)H]ouabain-binding could be distinguished. A linear component which probably reflects uptake into the cells and a saturable component which seems to reflect binding to Na-pumping sites.8. The saturable component of binding followed a similar time course to the inhibition of the Na efflux and the rate of binding was reduced in choline-ASW and in fully poisoned axons.9. Measurements of [(3)H]ouabain-binding indicate that the number of Na pumping sites in the axon membrane is probably between 10(3) and 10(4)/mu(2).

Potassium activated phosphatase from human red blood cells. The effects of p-nitrophenylphosphate on carbon fluxes

1. When red cells are incubated in solutions containing p-nitrophenyl-phosphate (p-NPP), intracellular p-NPP quickly builds up reaching with a half-time of 3 min a concentration in cell water equal to one fourth the external concentration, which under the conditions used is the expected value for a divalent anion in Gibbs-Donnan equilibrium. Hence p-NPP added to the incubation media in red cells has quick access to the active centre of the membrane phosphatase which is located at the inner surface of the cell membrane.2. When p-NPP is added to the incubation media of ATP-free red cells or reconstituted ghosts, no ouabain-sensitive cation movements are detectable, suggesting that hydrolysis of p-NPP by the active transport system is unable to energize active ion translocation.3. When p-NPP concentration in the incubation media of ATP-containing cells is progressively raised, both ouabain-sensitive Na loss and ouabain-sensitive Rb uptake tend to zero along rectangular hyperbolae. For both movements inhibition is half-maximal at 77 mM external p-NPP (i.e. 19 mM internal p-NPP).4. p-NPP inhibits with equal effectiveness the Na:K and the Na:Na exchanges catalysed by the Na pump.5. The inhibitory effect of p-NPP cannot be attributed to the products of its hydrolysis, is inversely related to the intracellular ATP concentration and seems to be exerted at the inner surface of the cell membrane with an apparent affinity similar to that of the membrane phosphatase. These facts suggest that inhibition is mediated by the combination of p-NPP with the active centre of the membrane phosphatase.6. Apart from affecting the ouabain-sensitive cation movements, p-NPP increases the ouabain-resistant uptake and loss of both Na and Rb. This effect is about 4 times larger for Rb than for Na, and its kinetic analysis suggests that it is due to an increase in the passive permeability of the cell membrane.7. The increase in passive cation permeability upon addition of p-NPP cannot be attributed to the products of its hydrolysis. It seems to be due to the combination of p-NPP with a site which, like the active centre of the ouabain-resistant membrane phosphatase, faces the inner surface of the cell membrane, is unaffected by ATP and is half saturated by about 15 mM-p NPP.

Origin of the after-hyperpolarization that follows removal of depolarizing agents from the isolated superior cervical ganglion of the rat

1. Potential changes in isolated rat superior cervical ganglia following addition and removal of depolarizing agents were recorded using a moving-fluid extracellular electrode system.2. Ganglionic negativity produced by carbachol was followed by a pronounced ganglionic positivity on washing. This after-positivity was attributed to hyperpolarization of the ganglion cells since it was unaffected by crushing the postganglionic trunk.3. The after-hyperpolarization was selectively depressed by (a) cooling (Q(10) 2.3), (b) metabolic inhibitors (cyanide, azide, 2,4-dinitrophenol), (c) reducing [K(+)](o) or substituting Cs(+) for K(+), (d) ouabain, and (e) substituting Li(+) for Na(+). This suggested a close dependence on active Na(+) transport.4. When K(+) was restored to K(+)-free solution, or the preparation was warmed rapidly, or when metabolic inhibitors were washed away, the hyperpolarization was rapidly regenerated. The effect of restoring K(+) indicated that the hyperpolarization was generated directly by the Na(+) pump.5. The hyperpolarization was not altered by replacing Cl(-) with isethionate, indicating that the voltage change produced by the Na(+) current was not modified by passive Cl(-) movements.6. Hexamethonium added to the washout fluid augmented the after-hyperpolarization, suggesting that there was a high (cationic) leak current due to continued receptor-activation on washing with normal Krebs solution.7. The hyperpolarization was reduced by omission of Ca(2+) and restored by addition of Mg(2+). This was considered to result from changes in passive membrane permeability.8. The time-course of post-carbachol hyperpolarization accorded with a Na(+) extrusion process whose rate was directly proportional to [Na(+)](i) with a rate constant of 0.38+/-0.02 min(-1) at 23-27 degrees C.9. With increasing concentrations of carbachol, the amplitude of the hyperpolarization increased in proportion to the preceding depolarization, but the rate constant of the hyperpolarization was unchanged.

Intracellular sodium activity and the sodium pump in snail neurones

1. Recessed-tip Na(+)-sensitive micro-electrodes were used to measure [Na(+)](i) continuously in snail neurones for experiments lasting up to several hours. The average resting [Na(+)](i) in twenty-two cells was 3.6 mM.2. Inhibition of the Na pump by ouabain caused [Na(+)](i) to increase at an average rate of 0.54 m-mole/min. This corresponds to a passive influx of Na quantitatively similar to that observed in squid axons.3. Changing external K over the range 1-8 mM had little effect on [Na(+)](i), but K-free or 0.25 mM-K Ringer caused a rise in [Na(+)](i).4. Increasing membrane potential by up to 90 mV caused an increased influx of Na, but did not inhibit the pump.5. Reducing external Na caused a decrease in [Na(+)](i) but did not affect the pump rate at a given [Na(+)](i). The pump rate at low [Na(+)](i) was proportional to [Na(+)](i) minus a threshold value of about 1 mM.6. The Na pump appeared still to be electrogenic at subnormal rates of activity.7. It is concluded that, given sufficient external K, the rate of the Na pump depends principally on [Na(+)](i). Changes in external Na or membrane potential appear to affect the pump only indirectly, by changing the Na influx and thus [Na(+)](i).

Sodium transport by perfused giant axons of Loligo

The sodium efflux from perfused squid giant axons has been studied using radioactive sodium, and the sufficient conditions for the maintenance of a potassium- and ouabain-sensitive sodium efflux have been established. The following were found.1. Axons extruded and then perfused with their own axoplasm had a sodium efflux which was sensitive to cyanide, potassium and ouabain and was thus similar to the efflux from intact axons.2. A method for replacing natural axoplasm into fibres previously perfused with artificial axoplasm was developed and used to establish an artificial perfusate that was not irreversibly toxic.3. Short perfusion (5 min) with a variety of artificial perfusates was then found to give fibres which had potassium- and ouabain-sensitive sodium effluxes when ATP was present in the perfusate.4. In the absence of ATP the sodium efflux was small and relatively insensitive to both external potassium and to ouabain.5. With ADP in the perfusate, fibres gave a sodium efflux which was ouabain-sensitive but was little affected by the removal of external potassium from the sodium-rich sea water bathing the fibres.6. The perfused fibres differed from intact fibres in having large ouabain-insensitive sodium effluxes.7. After very long perfusions (40-90 min), with the simple media containing ATP, the rate constant for sodium efflux from the fibres tended to be large and was relatively insensitive to potassium or to ouabain.8. Fibres refilled with natural axoplasm after long perfusion showed increased sensitivity to external potassium; refilled with dispersed axoplasm the sodium efflux tended to become very large.9. After very long perfusions with artificial axoplasms containing ATP, a potassium- and ouabain-sensitive sodium efflux was found to persist provided that dextran was present and the total osmotic pressure and the hydrostatic pressure of the perfusate were controlled. Under these conditions the sodium efflux resembled that from briefly perfused fibres. The necessary and sufficient conditions for the maintenance of sodium transport by perfused giant axons are discussed.

Inhibition of impulse activity in a sensory neuron by an electrogenic pump

THE CRAYFISH TONIC STRETCH RECEPTOR NEURON MANIFESTS THREE PHENOMENA: (a) Impulse frequency in response to a depolarizing current decays exponentially to half the initial rate with a time constant of about 4 sec. (b) One or more extra impulses superimposed on steady activity result in a lengthening of the interspike interval immediately following the last extra impulse which is proportional to the number of extra impulses. However, above a "threshold' number of impulses the proportionality constant becomes abruptly larger. (c) Following trains of impulses, the resting potential of the cell is hyperpolarized by an amount proportional to impulse number. Such posttetanic hyperpolarization (PTH) decays approximately exponentially with a time constant of 11 sec, but this varies with membrane potential. These effects are attributed to the incremental increase of an inhibitory (hyperpolarizing) current with a long (relative to interspike interval) decay constant. We suggest that this inhibitory current is the result of increased electrogenic Na pumping stimulated by Na entering with each impulse. Evidence is presented that the three effects are reversibly inhibited by conditions which depress active Na transport: (a) Li substituted for Na in the bath; (b) application of strophanthidin; (c) K removal; (d) treatment with cyanide; (e) cooling. We conclude that a single process is responsible for the three responses described above and identify that process as electrogenic Na pumping. Our observations also indicate that electrogenic pumping contributes to this neuron's resting potential.

Temperature dependence of the sodium-potassium permeability ratio of a molluscan neurone

1. The temperature dependence of the membrane potential of a molluscan giant neurone was examined under conditions which block the electrogenic activity of the Na-K exchange pump.2. When the Na pump was blocked by ouabain or the removal of external K, the membrane potential depolarized as temperature was increased.3. This depolarization was prevented by the replacement of external Na with impermeant cations, but was greater when Na was replaced with Li.4. All observed effects of ouabain were attributable to inhibition of the Na pump. The depolarization in response to ouabain at warmer temperatures was completely reversible, and the rate of both onset and reversibility of the ouabain effect was dependent upon temperature.5. Using a modified form of the constant field equation, the internal K concentration and the Na-K permeability ratio, P(Na)/P(K), were calculated from the experimental data.6. P(Na)/P(K) was found to increase from 0.028 at 4 degrees C to 0.068 at 18 degrees C. It is suggested that this increase is due primarily to a change in P(Na).

Contributions of the sodium pump and ionic gradients to the membrane potential of a molluscan neurone

1. The membrane potential of the gastro-oesophageal giant neurone of the marine mollusc, Anisodoris nobilis, was examined during changes of temperature and of the ionic medium.2. The response of the membrane potential to rapid changes in the external K concentration was prompt, stable, and reversible up to 200 mM-K, and was independent of the external Cl concentration.3. Warming the cell produced a prompt hyperpolarization that was approximately 10 times greater than predicted by the Nernst or constant field equations. Electrogenic activity of the Na-K exchange pump was shown to be responsible for this effect.4. At temperatures below 5 degrees C, the relationship between the membrane potential and the external K concentration could be predicted by a constant field equation.5. At temperatures above 5 degrees C, the membrane potential could not be predicted by the constant field equation except after inhibition of the electrogenic Na pump with ouabain or the reduction of internal Na.6. Inhibition of the electrogenic Na pump by low external K concentrations was dependent upon the external Na concentration.7. It is concluded that the membrane potential is the sum of ionic and metabolic components, and that the behaviour of the ionic component can be predicted by a constant field type equation.

Effects of intracellular adenosine-5'-diphosphate and orthophosphate on the sensitivity of sodium efflux from squid axon to external sodium and potassium

A study was made of sodium efflux from squid giant axon, and its sensitivity to external K and Na. When sodium efflux from untreated axons was strongly stimulated by K(o), Na(o) was inhibitory; when dependence on K(o) was low, Na(o) had a stimulatory effect. Incipient CN poisoning or apyrase injection, which produces high intracellular levels of ADP(1) and P(i), rendered sodium efflux less dependent on external K and more dependent on external Na. Injection of ADP, AMP, arginine, or creatine + creatine phosphokinase, all of which raise ADP levels without raising P(i) levels, had the same effect as incipient CN poisoning. P(i) injection had no effect on the K sensitivity of sodium efflux. Axons depleted of arginine and phosphoarginine by injection of arginase still lost their K sensitivity when the ATP:ADP ratio was lowered and regained it partially when the ratio was raised. Rough calculations show that sodium efflux is maximally K(o)-dependent when the ATP:ADP ratio is about 10:1, becomes insensitive to K(o) when the ratio is about 1:2, and is inhibited by K(o) when the ratio is about 1:10. Deoxy-ATP mimicked ADP when injected into intact axons. Excess Mg, as well as P(i), inhibited both strophanthidin-sensitive and strophanthidin-insensitive sodium efflux. An outline is presented for a model which might explain the effects of ADP, P(i) and deoxy-ATP.