Membrane current and intracellular sodium changes in a snail neurone during extrusion of injected sodium

The Effect of Low Magnesium Concentration on Ictal Discharges In A Non-Synaptic Model

Magnesium (Mg[Formula: see text] is an essential mineral for several cellular functions. The concentration of this ion below the physiological concentration induces recurrent neuronal discharges both in slices of the hippocampus and in neuronal cultures. These epileptiform discharges are initially sensitive to the application of [Formula: see text]-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, but these antagonists may lose their effectiveness with prolonged exposure to low [Mg[Formula: see text]], when extracellular Ca[Formula: see text] reduction occurs, typical of ictal periods, indicating the absence of synaptic connections. The study herein presented aimed at investigating the effect of reducing the [Mg[Formula: see text]] during the induction of Nonsynaptic Epileptiform Activities (NSEA). As an experimental protocol, NSEA were induced in rat hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), using a bath solution containing high-K[Formula: see text] and zero-added-Ca[Formula: see text]. Additionally, computer simulations were performed using a mathematical model that represents electrochemical characteristics of the tissue of the DG granular layer. The experimental results show that the reduction of [Mg[Formula: see text]] causes an increase in the duration of the ictal period and a reduction in the interictal period, intensifying epileptiform discharges. The computer simulations suggest that the reduction of the Mg[Formula: see text] level intensifies the epileptiform discharges by a joint effect of reducing the surface charge screening and reducing the activity of the Na/K pump.

Dietary sodium protects fish against copper-induced olfactory impairment

Exposure to low concentrations of copper impairs olfaction in fish. To determine the transcriptional changes in the olfactory epithelium induced by copper exposure, wild yellow perch (Perca flavescens) were exposed to 20 μg/L of copper for 3 and 24h. A novel yellow perch microarray with 1000 candidate genes was used to measure differential gene transcription in the olfactory epithelium. While three hours of exposure to copper changed the transcription of only one gene, the transcriptions of 70 genes were changed after 24h of exposure to copper. Real-time PCR was utilized to determine the effect of exposure duration on two specific genes of interest, two sub-units of Na/K-ATPase. At 24 and 48 h, Na/K-ATPase transcription was down-regulated by copper at olfactory rosettes. As copper-induced impairment of Na/K-ATPase activity in gills can be ameliorated by increased dietary sodium, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were used to determine if elevated dietary sodium was also protective against copper-induced olfactory impairment. Measurement of the olfactory response of rainbow trout using electro-olfactography demonstrated that sodium was protective of copper-induced olfactory dysfunction. This work demonstrates that the transcriptions of both subunits of Na/K-ATPase in the olfactory epithelium of fish are affected by Cu exposure, and that dietary Na protects against Cu-induced olfactory dysfunction.

Involvement of Na+/K+ pump in fine modulation of bursting activity of the snail Br neuron by 10 mT static magnetic field

The spontaneously active Br neuron from the brain-subesophageal ganglion complex of the garden snail Helix pomatia rhythmically generates regular bursts of action potentials with quiescent intervals accompanied by slow oscillations of membrane potential. We examined the involvement of the Na(+)/K(+) pump in modulating its bursting activity by applying a static magnetic field. Whole snail brains and Br neuron were exposed to the 10-mT static magnetic field for 15 min. Biochemical data showed that Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity increased almost twofold after exposure of snail brains to the static magnetic field. Similarly, (31)P NMR data revealed a trend of increasing ATP consumption and increase in intracellular pH mediated by the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger in snail brains exposed to the static magnetic field. Importantly, current clamp recordings from the Br neuron confirmed the increase in activity of the Na(+)/K(+) pump after exposure to the static magnetic field, as the magnitude of ouabain's effect measured on the membrane resting potential, action potential, and interspike interval duration was higher in neurons exposed to the magnetic field. Metabolic pathways through which the magnetic field influenced the Na(+)/K(+) pump could involve phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, as blocking these processes abolished the effect of the static magnetic field.

Peritubular membrane potential in kidney proximal tubular cells of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Peritubular membrane potential in kidney proximal tubular cells of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-Okamoto strain adult rats) was measured with conventional 3 mol KCl microelectrodes, in vivo. Peritubular cell membrane potential was not different in SHR (-66.5 ± 0.7 mV) as compared with normotensive control Wistar rats (-67.5 ± 1.2 mV). To test the effects of possible altered sodium membrane transport in SHR on proximal tubule peritubular membrane potential, we allowed SHR and control rats to drink 1% NaCl for two weeks. Again, proximal tubule peritubular membrane potential was not different in SHR on 1% NaCl (-67.0 ± 1.0 mV) as compared with control rats on 1% NaCl (-64.7 ± 1.3 mV). From these results we concluded that peritubular membrane potential in kidney proximal tubular cells of SHR was not different from normotensive Wistar control rats, and if some alteration of sodium transport in kidney proximal tubular cells of SHR could exist, that was not possible to evaluate from the measurements of peritubular membrane potential in kidney proximal tubular cells.

Deceleration of the E1P-E2P transition and ion transport by mutation of potentially salt bridge-forming residues Lys-791 and Glu-820 in gastric H+/K+-ATPase

A lysine residue within the highly conserved center of the fifth transmembrane segment in P(IIC)-type ATPase α-subunits is uniquely found in H,K-ATPases instead of a serine in all Na,K-ATPase isoforms. Because previous studies suggested a prominent role of this residue in determining the electrogenicity of non-gastric H,K-ATPase and in pK(a) modulation of the proton-translocating residues in the gastric H,K-ATPases as well, we investigated its functional significance for ion transport by expressing several Lys-791 variants of the gastric H,K-ATPase in Xenopus oocytes. Although the mutant proteins were all detected at the cell surface, none of the investigated mutants displayed any measurable K(+)-induced stationary currents. In Rb(+) uptake measurements, replacement of Lys-791 by Arg, Ala, Ser, and Glu substantially impaired transport activity and reduced the sensitivity toward the E(2)-specific inhibitor SCH28080. Furthermore, voltage clamp fluorometry using a reporter site in the TM5/TM6 loop for labeling with tetra-methylrhodamine-6-maleimide revealed markedly changed fluorescence signals. All four investigated mutants exhibited a strong shift toward the E(1)P state, in agreement with their reduced SCH28080 sensitivity, and an about 5-10-fold decreased forward rate constant of the E(1)P ↔ E(2)P conformational transition, thus explaining the E(1)P shift and the reduced Rb(+) transport activity. When Glu-820 in TM6 adjacent to Lys-791 was replaced by non-charged or positively charged amino acids, severe effects on fluorescence signals and Rb(+) transport were also observed, whereas substitution by aspartate was less disturbing. These results suggest that formation of an E(2)P-stabilizing interhelical salt bridge is essential to prevent futile proton exchange cycles of H(+) pumping P-type ATPases.

The source of afterdischarge activity in neocortical tonic-clonic epilepsy

Tonic-clonic seizures represent a common pattern of epileptic discharges, yet the relationship between the various phases of the seizure remains obscure. Here we contrast propagation of the ictal wavefront with the propagation of individual discharges in the clonic phase of the event. In an in vitro model of tonic-clonic epilepsy, the afterdischarges (clonic phase) propagate with relative uniform speed and are independent of the speed of the ictal wavefront (tonic phase). For slowly propagating ictal wavefronts, the source of the afterdischarges, relative to a given recording electrode, switched as the wavefront passed by, indicating that afterdischarges are seeded from wavefront itself. In tissue that has experienced repeated ictal events, the wavefront generalizes rapidly, and the afterdischarges in this case show a different "flip-flop" pattern, with frequent switches in their direction of propagation. This same flip-flop pattern is also seen in subdural EEG recordings in patients suffering intractable focal seizures caused by cortical dysplasias. Thus, in both slowly and rapidly generalizing ictal events, there is not a single source of afterdischarge activity: rather, the source is continuously changing. Our data suggest a complex view of seizures in which the ictal event and its constituent discharges originate from distinct locations.

Neuronal metabolism governs cortical network response state

The level of arousal in mammals is correlated with metabolic state and specific patterns of cortical neuronal responsivity. In particular, rhythmic transitions between periods of high activity (up phases) and low activity (down phases) vary between wakefulness and deep sleep/anesthesia. Current opinion about changes in cortical response state between sleep and wakefulness is split between neuronal network-mediated mechanisms and neuronal metabolism-related mechanisms. Here, we demonstrate that slow oscillations in network state are a consequence of interactions between both mechanisms. Specifically, recurrent networks of excitatory neurons, whose membrane potential is partly governed by ATP-modulated potassium (K(ATP)) channels, mediate response-state oscillations via the interaction between excitatory network activity involving slow, kainate receptor-mediated events and the resulting activation of ATP-dependent homeostatic mechanisms. These findings suggest that K(ATP) channels function as an interface between neuronal metabolic state and network responsivity in mammalian cortex.

The role of glial membrane ion channels in seizures and epileptogenesis

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, but the cellular basis of human epilepsy remains largely a mystery, and about 30% of all epilepsies remain uncontrolled. The vast bulk of epilepsy research has focused on neuronal and synaptic mechanisms, but the hypersynchronous firing that is the hallmark of epilepsy could also result from the abnormal function of glial cells by virtue of their critical role in the homeostasis of the brain's extracellular milieu. Therefore, increasing our understanding of glial pro-epileptic and epileptogenic mechanisms holds promise for the development of improved pharmacological treatments for epilepsy. Reactive astrocytes, a prominent feature of the human epileptic brain, undergo changes in their membrane properties and electrophysiology, in particular in the expression of membrane K(+) and Na(+) channels, which result in pro-epileptic changes in their homeostatic control of the extracellular space. Nonetheless, a causal role for reactive astrocytosis in epilepsy has been difficult to determine because glial reactivity can be induced by a wide range of central nervous system insults, including epileptic seizures themselves. A complicating factor is that different insults to the central nervous system result in reactive astrocytes with different membrane properties. Therefore, most animal models of epilepsy preselect the properties of the reactive glia studied. Finally, a causal role for reactive glia in epilepsy cannot be firmly established by examining human epileptic tissue because of its chronic and pharmacoresistant pathological condition that warranted the surgical intervention. Therefore, the development of clinically relevant models of reactive astrocytosis, and of symptomatic epileptogenesis, is needed to investigate the issue. A recently developed model of post-traumatic epileptogenesis in the rat, where chronic spontaneous recurrent seizures develop after a single event of a clinically relevant form of closed head injury, the fluid percussion injury, offers hope to help understand the role of reactive glia in seizures and epileptogenesis and lead to the development of improved therapies.

Unmyelinated axons in the rat hippocampus hyperpolarize and activate an H current when spike frequency exceeds 1 Hz

The mammalian cortex is densely populated by extensively branching, thin, unmyelinated axons that form en passant synapses. Some thin axons in the peripheral nervous system hyperpolarize if action potential frequency exceeds 1-5 Hz. To test the hypothesis that cortical axons also show activity-induced hyperpolarization, we recorded extracellularly from individual CA3 pyramidal neurons while activating their axon with trains consisting of 30 electrical stimuli. Synaptic excitation was blocked by kynurenic acid. We observed a positive correlation between stimulation strength and the number of consecutive axonal stimuli that resulted in soma spikes, suggesting that the threshold increased as a function of the number of spikes. During trains without response failures there was always a cumulative increase in the soma response latency. Intermittent failures, however, decreased the latency of the subsequent response. At frequencies of > 1 Hz, the threshold and latency increases were enhanced by blocking the hyperpolarization-activated H current (Ih)by applying the specific Ih blocker ZD7288 (25 microM) or 2 mM Cs+. Under these conditions, response failures occurred after 15-25 stimuli, independent of the stimulation strength. Adding GABA receptor blockers (saclofen and bicuculline) and a blocker of metabotropic glutamate receptors did not change the activity-induced latency increase in recordings of the compound action potential. We interpret these results as an activity-induced hyperpolarization that is partly counteracted by Ih. Such a hyperpolarization may influence transmitter release and the conduction reliability of these axons.

Stimulation of sodium pump restores membrane potential to neurons excited by glutamate in zebrafish distal retina

Glutamate either depolarizes or hyperpolarizes retinal neurons. Those are the initial and primary effects. Using a voltage probe (oxonol, DiBaC4 (5)) to study dissociated zebrafish retinal neurons, we find a secondary, longer-term effect: a post-excitatory restoration of membrane potential, termed after-hyperpolarization (AHP). AHP occurs only in neurons that are depolarized by glutamate and typically peaks about 5 min after glutamate application. AHP is seen in dissociated horizontal cells (HCs) and hyperpolarizing, or OFF type, bipolar cells (HBCs). These cells commonly respond with only an AHP component. AHP never occurs in depolarizing, or ON type, bipolar cells (DBCs), which are cell types hyperpolarized by glutamate. AHP is blocked by 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX). It is evoked by kainate, AMPA and the AMPA-selective agonist (S)-5-fluorowillardiine, but not by NMDA, D-aspartate, the kainate-selective agonist SYM 2081 or by DL-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (DL-AP4). Cells with exclusively AHP responses are tonically depolarized. Resting potentials can be restored by nifedipine, suggesting a tonic, depolarizing action of L-type Ca2+ channels. However AHP is not blocked by nifedipine and is insensitive to [Cl-]o. AHP is blocked by Li+o substitution for Na+o and by ouabain. A mechanism is proposed in which Na+ entering through ionotropic AMPA channels stimulates Na+,K+-ATPase, which, by electrogenic action, restores membrane potential, generating the AHP response. Patterns of ATPase immunoreactivity support localization in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) as cone pedicles, HCs and BCs were positively labelled. Labelling was weaker in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) than in nuclear layers, though two IPL bands of immunoreactive BC terminals could be discerned, one in sublamina a and the other in sublamina b. Persistent stimulation of distal retina by photoreceptor glutamate may induce increased expression and activity of Na+,K+-ATPase, with a consequent impact on distal glutamate responses.

Ion channel-like properties of the Na+/K+ Pump

Ion pumps and exchangers are considered to be different from ion channels for two principal reasons. Ion pumps move ions against, whereas ion channels allow ions to move with, the electrochemical potential gradient, and pumps transport ions relatively slowly, approximately 10(2) s(-1), whereas channels conduct ions rapidly, approximately 10(7) s(-1). However, the latter high rate refers only to the open pore, and yet all ion channels contain at least one gate. Not surprisingly, the conformational changes associated with channel gating occur with kinetics similar to those of ion pumping. Indeed, ion pumps may be viewed as ion channels with two gates, one external to, and the other internal to, the ion binding cavity. The simple operational rule for such a pump is that the two gates should never be open simultaneously; otherwise, the pump would become a channel and conduct dissipative fluxes several orders of magnitude larger than, and in the opposite direction to, the active transport fluxes. Analyses of Na(+) ion movements mediated by the Na(+)/K(+) pump under various conditions have suggested that in at least one, short-lived, conformation of the pump, an ion-channel-like structure, closed at its intracellular end, connects the extracellular solution with the ion binding sites deep in the protein core. Here we use the marine toxin, palytoxin, to act on Na(+)/K(+) pumps in outside-out patches excised from cardiac myocytes and so transform the pumps into nonselective cation channels which we study using macroscopic, and single-channel, recording. We find that gating of the palytoxin-induced channels is regulated by the pump's natural ligands. Thus, external K(+) congeners tend to close, and external Na(+) tends to open, an extracellular gate, whereas ATP acts from the cytoplasmic solution to open an intracellular gate. These gating influences echo the normal ion occlusion and deocclusion reactions that first entrap two extracellular K(+) ions within the interior of the pump (between the two gates) and then release them to the cytoplasmic side in a step accelerated by ATP. These results offer the promise of being able to examine ion occlusion and deocclusion steps at the microscopic level in single Na(+)/K(+) pump molecules.

Differential role of KIR channel and Na(+)/K(+)-pump in the regulation of extracellular K(+) in rat hippocampus

Little information is available on the specific roles of different cellular mechanisms involved in extracellular K(+) homeostasis during neuronal activity in situ. These studies have been hampered by the lack of an adequate experimental paradigm able to separate K(+)-buffering activity from the superimposed extrusion of K(+) from variably active neurons. We have devised a new protocol that allows for such an analysis. We used paired field- and K(+)-selective microelectrode recordings from CA3 stratum pyramidale during maximal Schaffer collateral stimulation in the presence of excitatory synapse blockade to evoke purely antidromic spikes in CA3. Under these conditions of controlled neuronal firing, we studied the [K(+)]o baseline during 0.05 Hz stimulation, and the accumulation and rate of recovery of extracellular K(+) at higher frequency stimulation (1-3 Hz). In the first set of experiments, we showed that neuronal hyperpolarization by extracellular application of ZD7288 (11 microM), a selective blocker of neuronal I(h) currents, does not affect the dynamics of extracellular K(+). This indicates that the K(+) dynamics evoked by controlled pyramidal cell firing do not depend on neuronal membrane potential, but only on the balance between K(+) extruded by firing neurons and K(+) buffered by neuronal and glial mechanisms. In the second set of experiments, we showed that di-hydro-ouabain (5 microM), a selective blocker of the Na(+)/K(+)-pump, yields an elevation of baseline [K(+)]o and abolishes the K(+) recovery during higher frequency stimulation and its undershoot during the ensuing period. In the third set of experiments, we showed that Ba(2+) (200 microM), a selective blocker of inwardly rectifying K(+) channels (KIR), does not affect the posttetanus rate of recovery of [K(+)]o, nor does it affect the rate of K(+) recovery during high-frequency stimulation. It does, however, cause an elevation of baseline [K(+)]o and an increase in the amplitude of the ensuing undershoot. We show for the first time that it is possible to differentiate the specific roles of Na(+)/K(+)-pump and KIR channels in buffering extracellular K(+). Neuronal and glial Na(+)/K(+)-pumps are involved in setting baseline [K(+)]o levels, determining the rate of its recovery during sustained high-frequency firing, and determining its postactivity undershoot. Conversely, glial KIR channels are involved in the regulation of baseline levels of K(+), and in decreasing the amplitude of the postactivity [K(+)]o undershoot, but do not affect the rate of K(+) clearance during neuronal firing. The results presented provide new insights into the specific physiological role of glial KIR channels in extracellular K(+) homeostasis.

Dynamics and consequences of potassium shifts in skeletal muscle and heart during exercise

Since it became clear that K(+) shifts with exercise are extensive and can cause more than a doubling of the extracellular [K(+)] ([K(+)](s)) as reviewed here, it has been suggested that these shifts may cause fatigue through the effect on muscle excitability and action potentials (AP). The cause of the K(+) shifts is a transient or long-lasting mismatch between outward repolarizing K(+) currents and K(+) influx carried by the Na(+)-K(+) pump. Several factors modify the effect of raised [K(+)](s) during exercise on membrane potential (E(m)) and force production. 1) Membrane conductance to K(+) is variable and controlled by various K(+) channels. Low relative K(+) conductance will reduce the contribution of [K(+)](s) to the E(m). In addition, high Cl(-) conductance may stabilize the E(m) during brief periods of large K(+) shifts. 2) The Na(+)-K(+) pump contributes with a hyperpolarizing current. 3) Cell swelling accompanies muscle contractions especially in fast-twitch muscle, although little in the heart. This will contribute considerably to the lowering of intracellular [K(+)] ([K(+)](c)) and will attenuate the exercise-induced rise of intracellular [Na(+)] ([Na(+)](c)). 4) The rise of [Na(+)](c) is sufficient to activate the Na(+)-K(+) pump to completely compensate increased K(+) release in the heart, yet not in skeletal muscle. In skeletal muscle there is strong evidence for control of pump activity not only through hormones, but through a hitherto unidentified mechanism. 5) Ionic shifts within the skeletal muscle t tubules and in the heart in extracellular clefts may markedly affect excitation-contraction coupling. 6) Age and state of training together with nutritional state modify muscle K(+) content and the abundance of Na(+)-K(+) pumps. We conclude that despite modifying factors coming into play during muscle activity, the K(+) shifts with high-intensity exercise may contribute substantially to fatigue in skeletal muscle, whereas in the heart, except during ischemia, the K(+) balance is controlled much more effectively.

The Kdp-ATPase of Escherichia coli mediates an ATP-dependent, K+-independent electrogenic partial reaction

Charge transport by the K+ transporting Kdp-ATPase from Escherichia coli was investigated using planar lipid membranes to which liposomes reconstituted with the enzyme were adsorbed. To study reactions in the absence of K+, given some contamination of solutions with K+, we used a mutant of Kdp whose affinity for K+ was 6 mM instead of the wild-type whose affinity is 2 microM. Upon rapid release of ATP from caged ATP, a transient current occurred in the absence of K+. In the presence of K+, a stationary current was seen. On the basis of their structural similarity, we propose a kinetic model for the Kdp-ATPase analogous to that of the Na+K+-ATPase. In this model, the first, K+-independent step is electrogenic and corresponds to the outward transport of a negative charge. The second, K+-translocating step is probably also electrogenic and corresponds to transport of positive charge to the intracellular side of the protein.

The Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation and graphical 'load-line' analysis of ionic flow through outer hair cells

While the 'membrane potential' of a cell which has a homogeneous membrane and surrounding environment, and which is not pumping ions electrogenically (passing no net current through its membranes), can be estimated from the Goldman voltage equation, this equation is inappropriate for other cells. In the mammalian cochlea such problematic cells include the cells of stria vascularis and the sensory hair cells of the organ of Corti. Not only is the Goldman voltage equation inappropriate, but in asymmetric cells the concept of a single 'membrane potential' is misleading: a different transmembrane voltage is required to define the electrical state of each section of the cell's heterogeneous membrane. This paper presents a graphical 'load-line analysis' of currents through one such asymmetric cell, the outer hair cells of the organ of Corti. The approach is extremely useful in discussing the effects of various cochlear manipulations on the electrical potential within hair cells, even without a detailed knowledge of their membrane conductance. The paper discusses how modified Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equations can be used to describe stretch-activated channels, voltage-controlled channels, ligand-mediated channels, and how the combination of these channels and the extracellular ionic concentrations should affect the hair cell's resting intracellular potential and resting transcellular current, its receptor current and receptor potential, and the extracellular microphonic potential around these cells. Two other issues discussed are the role of voltage-controlled channels in genetically determining membrane potential, and the insensitivity of hair cells to changes of extracellular potassium concentration under some conditions.

Experimental approaches to therapy and prophylaxis for heat stress and heatstroke

New developments in the fields of biochemistry, physiology, sepsis, cancer therapy, and molecular genetics have led to opportunities for the development of new therapies and prophylaxes for heat illnesses and for improving human performance during conditions of environmental stress. These include antilipopolysaccharide agents, anticytokines, potassium channel agents, a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and psychological conditioning. This review summarizes the backgrounds and recent findings in the above fields and provides specific suggestions for potential therapy and prophylaxis for classic and exertional heatstroke and for improving athletic performance.

Sulfonylurea-sensitive potassium current evoked by sodium-loading in rat midbrain dopamine neurons

In Parkinson's disease, there is evidence of impaired mitochondrial function which reduces the capacity to synthesize ATP in dopamine neurons. This would be expected to reduce the activity of the sodium pump (Na+/K+ ATPase), causing increased intracellular levels of Na+. Patch pipettes were used to introduce Na+ (40 mM in pipette solutions) into dopamine neurons in the rat midbrain slice in order to study the electrophysiological effects of increased intracellular Na+. We found that intracellular Na+ loading evoked 100-300 pA of outward current (at -60 mV) and increased whole-cell conductance; these effects developed gradually during the first 10 min after rupture of the membrane patch. Extracellular Ba2+ reduced most of the outward current evoked by Na+ loading; this Ba(2+)-sensitive current reversed direction at the expected reversal potential for K+ (EK), and was also blocked by extracellular tetraethylammonium (30 mM) and intracellular Cs+ (which replaced K+ in pipette solutions). The sulfonylurea drugs glipizide (IC50 = 4.9 nM), tolbutamide (IC50 = 23 microM) and glibenclamide (1 microM) were as effective as 300 microM Ba2+ in reducing the K+ current evoked by Na+ loading. When recording with "control" pipettes containing 15 mM Na+, diazoxide (300 microM) increased chord conductance and evoked outward current at -60 mV, which also reversed direction near EK. Effects of diazoxide were blocked by glibenclamide (1 microM) or glipizide (300 nM). Diazoxide (300 microM) and baclofen (3 microM), which also evoked K(+)-mediated outward currents recorded with control pipettes, caused little additional increases in outward currents during Na+ loading. Raising ATP concentrations to 10 mM in pipette solutions failed to significantly reduce currents evoked by diazoxide or Na+ loading, suggesting that these currents may not be mediated by ATP-sensitive K+ channels. Finally, Na+ loading using pipettes containing Cs+ in place of K+ evoked a relatively small outward current (50-150 pA at -60 mV), which developed gradually over the first 10 min after rupturing the membrane patch. This current was reduced by dihydro-ouabain (3 microM) and a low extracellular concentration of K+ (0.5 mM instead of 2.5 mM), but was not affected by Ba2+. We conclude that intracellular Na+ loading evokes a current generated by Na+/K+ ATPase in addition to sulfonylurea-sensitive K+ current. This Na(+)-dependent K+ current is unusual in its sensitivity to sulfonylureas, and could protect dopamine neurons against toxic effects of intracellular Na+ accumulation.

Direct influence of the sodium pump on the membrane potential of vomeronasal chemoreceptor neurones in frog

1. Whole-cell measurements were made from microvillous receptor neurones isolated from the frog vomeronasal organ. We examined the mechanisms that determined the value of the resting membrane potential. 2. Cells recorded in Ringer solution containing 4 mM K+ showed a resting membrane potential of -88 +/- 20 mV (mean +/- 1 S.D., n = 56). Sixty-six per cent of the cells had stable resting potentials more negative than the calculated equilibrium potentials for K+ (EK, -82 mV) indicating the presence of a hyperpolarizing outward pump current. 3. Cells recorded with an intracellular solution containing Na+ instead of K+, to set EK at 0 mV, presented stable membrane potentials in the range -65 to -119 mV when bathed in a normal Ringer solution. 4. Ouabain, a specific inhibitor of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase, blocked the outward sodium pump current (Ip) and depolarized the membrane. 5. The sodium pump current, measured as the current blocked by 0.5 mM dihydro-ouabain, was linearly related to the membrane potential in the range -60 to -120 mV. The reversal potential measured with a calculated free energy of ATP hydrolysis of -36.2 kJ mol-1 was estimated to be -143 mV. 6. Reduction of the external K+ concentration to 0 mM depolarized the membrane to less than -40 mV. Voltage-clamp observations in this condition indicated a reduction of Ip. Ouabain added to the bath reduced the blocking effect of low external K+. The addition of external K+ activated Ip and induced a rapid hyperpolarization of the cell membrane. 7. At membrane potentials more negative than -80 mV, an inward rectifying depolarizing current characterized as Ih was activated. When Ih was blocked by 5 mM external Cs+ the resting membrane potential increased. 8. These data indicate that the membrane potential of the vomeronasal receptor neurones is not generated by a passive diffusion of K+ ions but by the hyperpolarizing current created by the Na+,K(+)-ATPase. We propose that the resting potential is set by a balance between Ip and Ih. The physiological implications of these mechanisms for setting the resting potential are discussed.

A study and model of the role of the Renshaw cell in regulating the transient firing rate of the motoneuron

This study sought to investigate the role of the Renshaw cell with respect to transient motoneuron firing. By studying the cat motoneuron and Renshaw cell, several low-order lumped parameter models were developed that simulate the known characteristics of the injected input current vs. firing rate. The neuron models in the Renshaw cell inhibition configuration were tuned to fit experimental data from cat motoneurons. Models included both linear versions and those with sigmoidal nonlinearities. Results of the simulation indicate that the motoneuron itself provides the adaptation seen in its firing rate and that the Renshaw cell's role is primarily to fine-tune the motoneuron's adaptation process.

Detection of intracellular free Na+ concentration of synaptosomes by a fluorescent indicator, Na(+)-binding benzofuran isophthalate: the effect of veratridine, ouabain, and alpha-latrotoxin

A novel fluorescent Na+ indicator, Na(+)-binding benzofuran isophthalate (SBFI), was used to follow changes in the intracellular free Na+ concentration ([Na+]i) of synaptosomes. The dye, when loaded into synaptosomes in the form of its acetoxymethyl ester, was responsive to changes of [Na+]. Calibration was made using the 340/380 nm excitation ratio when the cytoplasmic Na+ concentration was equilibrated with different concentrations of extracellular Na+ in the presence of 2 microM gramicidin D. The basal value of [Na+]i in synaptosomes in the presence of 140 mM extracellular Na+ was found to be 10.9 +/- 1.8 mM. Veratridine, which opens potential-dependent Na+ channels, caused a sudden increase in [Na+]i in a concentration-dependent manner (1-20 microM), whereas the effect of ouabain (20 and 50 microM), the inhibitor of the plasma membrane Na+,K(+)-ATPase, was more gradual. The rise in the fluorescence intensity upon addition of veratridine was prevented completely by 2 microM tetrodotoxin. alpha-Latrotoxin, the black widow spider toxin, caused an increase in the fluorescence intensity, which became evident 1 min after the addition of the toxin. The rate of increase was proportional to the concentration of the toxin (0.19-1.5 nM). This report confirms our earlier finding demonstrating a Na(+)-dependent component in the action of alpha-latrotoxin, and shows that changes in [Na+]i in synaptosomes can be followed by SBFI.

Kinetics of transient pump currents generated by the (H,K)-ATPase after an ATP concentration jump

(H,K)-ATPase containing membranes from hog stomach were attached to black lipid membranes. Currents induced by an ATP concentration jump were recorded and analyzed. A sum of three exponentials (tau 1(-1) approximately 400 sec-1, tau 2(-1) approximately 100 sec-1, tau 3(-1) approximately 10 sec-1; T = 300 K, pH 6, MgCl2 3 mM, no K+) was fitted to the transient signal. The dependence of the resulting time constants and the peak current on electrolyte composition, ATP conversion rate, temperature, and membrane conductivity was recorded. The results are consistent with a reaction scheme similar to that proposed by Albers and Post for the NaK-ATPase. Based on this model the following assignments were made: tau 2 corresponds to ATP binding and exchange with caged ATP. tau 1 describes the phosphorylation reaction E1 x ATP-->E1P. The third, slowest time constant tau 3 is tentatively assigned to the E1P-->E2P transition. This is the first electrogenic step and is accelerated at high pH and by ATP via a low affinity binding site. The second electrogenic step is the transition from E2K to E1H. The E2K<==>E1H equilibrium is influenced by potassium with an apparent K0.5 of 3 mM and by the pH. Low pH and low potassium concentration stabilize the E1 conformation.

Cell volume changes upon sodium pump inhibition in Helix aspersa neurones

1. Identified neurones of the suboesophageal ganglia of Helix aspersa were loaded with tetramethylammonium (TMA+). Experimentally induced changes in cell water volume and membrane potential were measured continuously by monitoring changes in intracellular [TMA+] using ion-sensitive double-barrelled microelectrodes. The technique allowed measurements of cell water volume changes of less than 5%. 2. Exposure to hyperosmotic (up to +24%) or hyposmotic (up to about -10%) solutions caused reversible decreases and increases in cell water volume respectively, which agreed with near-ideal osmometric behaviour. Upon exposure to hyposmotic solutions whose osmolality was decreased by 30-40%, the cell water volume increased to maximum values below those expected for ideal osmometric behaviour and exhibited partial regulatory volume decrease. 3. The sodium pump was inhibited in twenty identified neurones by sustained exposure to 1 mM ouabain. In every case ouabain caused cell membrane depolarization, as expected for inhibition of an electrogenic sodium pump. 4. Upon pump inhibition most cells (n = 14) shrank by up to 13% of their initial water volume. In five of these cells, shrinkage was preceded by one or more short-lived swelling phases. In two other neurones short-lived swelling was followed by cell volume recovery without appreciable shrinkage. In four out of the twenty cells, there were no measurable volume changes. 5. The lack of an initial swelling phase in the cells that shrank, as well as the absence of detectable volume changes in some of the neurones, was not due to loss of ion-selective electrode sensitivity since predictable changes in cell volume elicited by osmotic challenges were monitored in the same cells. 6. It is concluded that neurones can be endowed with ouabain-insensitive mechanisms of volume control, whose activation following Na+ pump inhibition prevents them from short-term swelling and lysis.

A review of the electrophysiological, pharmacological and single channel properties of heart ventricle muscle cells in the snail Lymnaea stagnalis

Although a considerable body of information has accumulated describing the pharmacological properties of a wide range of molluscan muscle types, the physiological bases underlying these properties have not been thoroughly investigated. At present, little is known about the types of ion channels and their regulation in molluscan muscle cell membranes. Voltage-clamp, and more recently, patch-clamp techniques have revealed molluscan muscles possess a complex array of channel types with various pharmacological and electrophysiological properties. The gating properties of these channels and their modulation by chemical agents, however, are still poorly understood. This review summarizes some aspects of molluscan muscle function with particular reference to the heart ventricle muscle of the pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis.

The Na,K-ATPase

The energy dependent exchange of cytoplasmic Na+ for extracellular K+ in mammalian cells is due to a membrane bound enzyme system, the Na,K-ATPase. The exchange sustains a gradient for Na+ into and for K+ out of the cell, and this is used as an energy source for creation of the membrane potential, for its de- and repolarisation, for regulation of cytoplasmic ionic composition and for transepithelial transport. The Na,K-ATPase consists of two membrane spanning polypeptides, an alpha-subunit of 112-kD and a beta-subunit, which is a glycoprotein of 35-kD. The catalytic properties are associated with the alpha-subunit, which has the binding domain for ATP and the cations. In the review, attention will be given to the biochemical characterization of the reaction mechanism underlying the coupling between hydrolysis of the substate ATP and transport of Na+ and K+.

Lithium block of outward current channels in Helix neurons

Outward currents were studied in isolated, perfused ganglion cells from Helix aspersa. Treatment with external solutions containing 40 mM LiCl slowed and reduced the delayed outward currents after about 15 min. The leak currents were reduced by external application of Li. Electrophoretic injection of LiCl increased the leak currents and reduced the net outward currents. From fits of a model with a rapid second-order current component and a slower first-order component, the effect of Li was to reduce the asymptotic current for the first component and double the activation time constant for the second component. This was equivalent to increasing the probability of entering the blocked state in a kinetic model of the K-channels. The slowness of the block suggested that Li might act through a chemical intermediate.

Demonstration of the electrogenicity of proton translocation during the phosphorylation step in gastric H+K(+)-ATPase

Membrane fragments containing the H+K(+)-ATPase from parietal cells have been adsorbed to a planar lipid membrane. The transport activity of the enzyme was determined by measuring electrical currents via the capacitive coupling between the membrane sheets and the planar lipid film. To initiate the pump currents by the ATPase a light-driven concentration jump of ATP from caged ATP was applied as demonstrated previously for Na+K(+)-ATPase (Fendler, K., Grell, E., Haubs, M., Bamberg, E. 1985. EMBO J. 4:3079-3085). Since H+K(+)-ATPase is an electroneutrally working enzyme no stationary pump currents were observed in the presence of K+. By separation of the H+ and K+ transport steps of the reaction cycle, however, the electrogenic step of the phosphorylation could be measured. This was achieved in the absence of K+ or at low concentrations of K+. The observed transient current is ATP dependent which can be assigned to the proton movement during the phosphorylation. From this it was concluded that the K+ transport during dephosphorylation is electrogenic, too, in contrast to the Na+K(+)-ATPase where the K+ step is electroneutral. The transient current was measured at different ionic conditions and could be blocked by vanadate and by the H+K(+)-ATPase specific inhibitor omeprazole. An alternative mechanism for activation of this inhibitor is discussed.

On the resting potential of isolated frog sympathetic neurons

One of the oldest questions of electrophysiology, the origin of the resting potential, has yet to be answered satisfactorily for most cells. Isolated frog sympathetic neurons, studied with whole-cell recording, generally have resting potentials of approximately -75 mV with an input resistance of approximately 300 M omega. These properties are not expected from the M-type K+ current (IM) or from other ionic currents previously described in these cells. In the -60 to -110 M mV voltage region, at least three currents are present: an inwardly rectifying current (IQ), a resting current with little voltage sensitivity carried at least in part by K+, and a (Na+,K+)ATPase pump current. The resting K+ current, not IM or IQ is the primary ionic current near the resting potential under these conditions. The electrogenic pump contributes an additional approximately 10 mV of hyperpolarization.

Increased sodium pump activity following repetitive stimulation of rat soleus muscles

1. Soleus muscles of anaesthetized rats were stimulated tetanically (4 s at 20 Hz every 5 s for 5 min), following which the resting and action potentials were measured in surface fibres. 2. At the end of the stimulation period, the mean resting potential was found to have increased from a control value of -79.5 +/- 4.8 mV (mean +/- S.D.) to -90.5 +/- 6.3 mV. The hyperpolarization started to decline after 9 min but was still present at 15 min. 3. Associated with the membrane hyperpolarization was an increase in the mean amplitude of the muscle fibre action potential, from 82.2 +/- 10.8 to 96.8 +/- 10.0 mV. 4. Both the hyperpolarization and the enlargement of the muscle fibre action potential were abolished by 1.25 X 10(-4) M-ouabain, cooling the bathing fluid to 19 degrees C or removing K+ from the bathing fluid. 5. The results are explained in terms of an increase in electrogenic sodium pump activity resulting from tetanic stimulation. When the bathing fluid contained 20 mM-K+, the mean resting potential of stimulated fibres was approximately -30 mV greater than that calculated from the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation. 6. The increase in sodium pumping not only acts to restore the concentrations of Na+ and K+ on either side of the muscle fibre membrane, but, through its electrogenic effect, enables fibres to remain excitable during continuous contractile activity.

Changes in the surface pH of voltage-clamped snail neurones apparently caused by H+ fluxes through a channel

1. The surface and intracellular pH of snail neurones was recorded with microelectrodes while the membrane potential was reduced in 10 mV steps for a few seconds each or to positive values for periods of several minutes. 2. Depolarizations to positive membrane potentials caused rapid falls in surface pH (pHs) which varied from cell to cell and from one point to another on the surface of the same cell. 3. When pHi was normal or alkaline, the first few 10 mV steps of depolarization often caused a small pHs increase which changed to a decrease as the depolarization increased. The threshold potential at which the pHs increase changed to a decrease varied with pHi in a linear manner, so that at acid pHi values the threshold potential approached the normal resting potential. There was good agreement between the threshold and H+ equilibrium potentials calculated from pHi and pHs. 4. The size of the pHs decrease observed at a given pHi and depolarization depended on extracellular buffering power in a non-linear manner. Solutions buffered with 20 mM-NaHCO3 had similar surface buffering power to CO2-free solutions buffered with only 1-2 mM-HEPES, pH 7.5. 5. In 1 mM-HEPES pHs changes were larger, and pHi increases slower, than those seen in cells depolarized to the same potential in 20 mM-HEPES. The slowing of the rate of pHi increase suggests that the pHs changes occur all over the cell surface, and not only at the recording site. 6. With long-lasting depolarizations the size of the pHs decrease was proportional to the rate of pHi increase and thus, assuming a constant intracellular buffering power, to the rate of efflux of H+. 7. The results provide further evidence that snail neurones possess a channel permeable to H+ which is opened on depolarization. H+ efflux through this channel could cause rapid acidification of a confined extracellular space.

Light-induced oxygen consumption in Limulus ventral photoreceptors does not result from a rise in the intracellular sodium concentration

Illumination of Limulus ventral photoreceptors leads to an increase in the intracellular concentration of sodium, [Na+]i, and to an increase in the consumption of O2 (delta QO2). After a 1-s light flash, it takes approximately 480 s for [Na+]i to return to within 10% of its preillumination level, whereas delta QO2 takes approximately 90 s. Thus, the delta QO2 is complete long before [Na+]i has returned to its resting level. Pressure injection of Na+ into the cell in order to elevate [Na+]i to the same levels as attained by illumination causes a rise in [Na+]i that returns to baseline with the same time course as the light-induced rise in [Na+]i. However, the injection of Na+ does not lead to an increase of the consumption of O2. We conclude that activation of the Na pump by a rise in [Na+]i is not a factor involved in the light-induced activation of O2 consumption in these cells.

Voltage-dependent intracellular pH in Helix aspersa neurones

1. The intracellular pH (pHi) of large nerve cells from the mollusc, Helix aspersa, was measured with pH-sensitive micro-electrodes. Cells were held under voltage clamp and the effect on pHi of different holding potentials was determined. 2. Depolarization of the cell from the resting potential (about -50 mV) to -10 mV produced a fall in pHi that could be reduced by bathing the cell in nominally Ca2+-free saline. 3. At positive holding potentials pHi increased to a steady level that depended upon the electrochemical gradient for H+ across the cell membrane; it shifted by about 1 unit when the external pH was increased from 7 to 8 (or when the membrane potential increased by 58 mV, Thomas & Meech, 1982). 4. The depolarization-induced increase in H+ permeability was insensitive to SITS (4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid, 20 microM), which blocks pHi regulation at the resting potential in these cells (Thomas, 1976). When pHi was displaced from a steady level by ionophoretic injection of HCl, there was a rapid recovery at depolarized potentials even in the presence of SITS. The H+ pathway appeared to be little affected by prolonged periods at positive membrane potentials. 5. The depolarization-induced H+ efflux was insensitive to the metabolic inhibitor CCmP (carbonyl cyanide-m-chlorophenylhydrazone, 20 microM) and persisted in cells bathed in pH-buffered n-methyl glucamine-gluconate. It was also insensitive to DCCD (N, N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, 10-100 microM) and oligomycin (2-10 micrograms/ml). 6. The H+ pathway could be fully blocked by 1 mM-ZnCl2, 1 mM-LaCl3, 1 mM-CuCl2, 2 mM-CdCl2 or 10 mM-CoCl2. Other divalent ions such as BaCl2 (10 mM) produced a block at membrane potentials near 0 mV but the block was released at more positive potentials. Low levels of LaCl3 (0.1 mM), the organic Ca2+ channel antagonist D600 (100 mg/ml) and high levels of the K+ channel blocker TEA (50 mM) all had similar effects to Ba2+. 7. The K+ channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (10 mM), which blocks H+ currents in perfused Lymnaea neurones (Byerly, Meech & Moody, 1984), has a complex action.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Glial potassium uptake following depletion by intracellular ionophoresis

The K+ uptake processes of immunologically identified oligodendrocytes from embryonic mouse spinal cord were studied in primary culture by injecting ions and recording membrane potential changes and, in some experiments, K+ ion activity with intracellular electrodes. When Na+ was injected [K+]i decreased. Immediately before and after current injection the membrane potential was close to the K+ equilibrium potential (EK) and this finding was used to study K+ uptake following its depletion by intracellular ionophoresis. The uptake of K+ following Na+ injection was blocked by ouabain and unaffected by removal of extracellular Cl- or Cl- transport blockers. This suggests that recovery comes about mostly through the activity of the Na+/K+ -ATPase stimulated by either the increase in [Na+]i or the decrease in [K+]i. Pump current could be determined by clamping at different membrane potentials and was found to increase in proportion to the depolarization of the cell resulting from [K+]i depletion. The time course of recovery of membrane potential following either Li+ or tetramethylammonium (TMA+) injection was similar to that after Na+ injection, indicating that injection of these ions to produce a comparable decrease in [K+]i leads to a similar stimulation of the Na+/K+ -ATPase. In addition, the recovery of membrane potential following injection of TMA+, but not of Na+ or Li+, was blocked when the external Na+ was removed. Internal Na+ or Li+ appears necessary for Na+/K+ -ATPase-activity, but under conditions of normal or low [Na+]i the rate of Na+/K+ -ATPase activity seems to be sensitive to [K+]i and/or membrane potential.

A ouabain-sensitive hyperpolarization in rat striatal neurones in vitro

Intracellular recordings were made from rat striatal neurones in vitro. In the presence of intracellular caesium and extracellular tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) (5 mM) and barium (3 mM), long-lasting plateau potentials developed followed by a prominent voltage independent hyperpolarization which lasted several seconds. A similar afterhyperpolarization was observed when calcium was replaced by barium. The afterhyperpolarization was reduced in a potassium free medium and reversibly abolished in a Na+-free solution or by cooling the slice to 21-24 degrees C. It was also irreversibly blocked by ouabain (50 microM). This hyperpolarization may therefore result from the activation of a Na+,K+-ATPase electrogenic pump.

Comparison of the after-effects of impulse conduction on threshold at nodes of Ranvier along single frog sciatic axons

1. Single axons were teased from the distal end of whole frog sciatic nerve and impulses were recorded with a suction electrode. The whole nerve trunk was stimulated using a gross electrode that was slowly moved for several centimetres along the length of the nerve. The threshold for initiation of an action potential showed periodic minima which were interpreted as the location of nodes of Ranvier. 2. Internodal distances were uniform along individual fibres but differed among fibres having matching conduction velocities, suggesting that other individuating characteristics are also important in determining the spacing of nodes. 3. A standard protocol was used to measure the activity dependence of threshold. Nodes along any given fibre were found to be alike in the dependence of threshold on impulse activity. Both the superexcitable phase and the depressed phase of the after-effects of impulse activity were similar for successive nodes. This suggests that the activity dependence of an unbranched length of axon can be well characterized by looking at any one of its nodes. 4. Comparison of nodes from different axons showed large variations in activity dependence. Depressibility, denoting the relative tendency of an axon to show depression, was quantified either as the initial rate of rise in threshold (percentage increase/min) following the onset of repetitive stimulation or as the total rise in threshold (percentage increase) after 5 min of exposure to a standardized rate of repetitive stimulation. By either measure depressibility differed among axons more than it differed among nodes from a single axon. 5. Superexcitability following single impulses was measured in the absence of depression. Axons exhibiting a larger decrease in threshold during the superexcitable phase also tended to show larger depressions relative to other axons when stimulated at a given rate. 6. There was little correlation between conduction velocity and the magnitude of either the depressed phase or the superexcitable phase within the population of fibres studied. This suggests that axon diameter alone (as indicated by conduction velocity) cannot be responsible for the wide variations in the amplitude of the depressed phase or the superexcitable phase. 7. The results suggest that some process exists to constrain the nodes along a fibre to have a uniform activity dependence.

The role of the sodium pump during prolonged end-plate currents in guinea-pig diaphragm

1. Depolarization caused by carbachol or decamethonium is followed by spontaneous recovery of membrane potential in the presence of the drug. The involvement of the Na pump in this recovery has been investigated in guinea-pig diaphragm at 37 degrees C. 2. Restoration of potassium ions (K+) to the bathing solution gives a rapid recovery of membrane potential which is compatible with a component of recovery of potential being attributable to an electrogenic ion pump and from which a Na pump current of over 60 nA has been estimated. 3. The maintenance of membrane potential in the presence of depolarizing drugs is interpreted in terms of a residual rate of channel opening at a time when the membrane potential is restored, balanced by Na pump action producing tubular depletion of K+. To account for these results a Na pump conductance has been added to a model circuit of drug action. 4. The peak end-plate current produced by carbachol (80 microM) is 100 nA (n = 11) as recorded by the voltage clamp technique; similar estimates may be obtained from measurements of input resistance which falls to 31% of the initial value (n = 5). In muscles desensitized by carbachol for 30 min the end-plate current is 11 nA. 5. In normal muscle removal of K+ from the bathing solution produces a reversible hyperpolarization. In muscles where the membrane potential has recovered in the continued presence of the drug, a hyperpolarization is also found on removal of K+. Withdrawal of K+ during the early stage of spontaneous recovery of potential produces a depolarization or an arrest of the spontaneous repolarization. These results are interpreted in terms of the Na pump producing different effects during the course of spontaneous repolarization. 6. Indirect evidence for K+ depletion in the transverse tubules by the Na pump is provided by an increased resistance to inward current following brief exposure to carbachol or decamethonium. A similar mechanism is used to interpret both the observed change in end-plate revérsal potential to a more negative value and the marked diminution in the amplitude of the action potential at the end-plate during drug action.

Graded amplification of the Na,K-ATPase across a subclonal series: effects on membrane physiology

We have generated a series of clonally related cell lines which differ in the level of amplified expression of the Na,K-ATPase. These lines, originally derived from the ouabain resistant HeLa variant C+, expressed different numbers of binding sites for the Na,K-ATPase inhibitor ouabain, ranging from 2.9 X 10(6)/cell to 11.8 X 10(6)/cell. Amplification of the genes for both subunits of the enzyme was also seen but was not strictly correlated with level of expression. The influxes of histidine and tetraphenylphosphonium were measured across a series, including HeLa S3 and revertants, expressing from 0.74 X 10(6) to 10.5 X 10(6) ouabain-binding sites per cell. Tetraphenylphosphonium influx rate, presumed to be a function of membrane potential, varied linearly with ouabain binding site number, while histidine influx varied with the log of ouabain binding site number. Our results suggest that membrane potential increases in a simple fashion across our series of amplified lines. However, histidine influx was unaffected by treatments which cause membrane depolarization and a decrease in tetraphenylphosphonium influx rate. We propose that increasing histidine influx rates across our amplified series reflects exchange acceleration of L system transport due to increased intracellular pools of L system reactive amino acids. The Na,K-ATPase is ultimately responsible for most active transport across the plasma membrane. The consistent, graded physiological alterations seen across this series of closely related lines, chosen for graded enzyme expression, demonstrate the value of this novel genetic approach to the study of the energization of membrane transport.

Voltage dependence of the rheogenic Na+/K+ ATPase in the membrane of oocytes of Xenopus laevis

Electrophysiological experiments were performed to analyze the Na+/K+-ATPase in full-grown prophase-arrested oocytes of Xenopus laevis. If the Na+/K+-ATPase is inhibited by dihydroouabain (DHO), the resting potential of the membrane of Na+-loaded oocytes may depolarize by nearly 50 mV. This hyperpolarizing contribution to the resting potential depends on the degree of activation of the Na+/K+-ATPase and varies with intracellular Na+ activity (aiNa) and extracellular K+ (K+o). It is concluded that variations of aiNa among different oocytes are primarily responsible for the variations of resting potentials measured in oocytes of X. laevis. Under voltage-clamp conditions, the DHO-sensitive current also exhibits dependence on aiNa that may be described by a Hill equation with a coefficient of 2. This current will be shown to be identical with the electrogenic current generated by the 3Na+/2K+ pump. The voltage dependence of the pump current was investigated at saturating values of aiNa (33 mmol/liter) and of K+o (3 mmol/liter) in the range from -200 to +100 mV. The current was found to exhibit a characteristic maximum at about +20 mV. This is taken as evidence that in the physiological range at least two steps within the cycle of the pump are voltage dependent and are oppositely affected by the membrane potential.

Cell sodium activity and sodium pump function in frog skin

Cell Na activity, acNa, was measured in the short-circuited frog skin by simultaneous cell punctures from the apical surface with open-tip and Na-selective microelectrodes. Skins were bathed on the serosal surface with NaCl Ringer and, to reduce paracellular conductance, with NaNO3, Ringer on the apical surface. Under control conditions acNa averaged 8 +/- 2 mM (n = 9, SD). Apical addition of amiloride (20 microM) or Na replacement reduced acNa to 3 mM in 6-15 min. Sequential decreases in apical [Na] induced parallel reductions in acNa and cell current, Ic. On restoring Na after several minutes of exposure to apical Na-free solution Ic rose rapidly (approximately less than 30 sec) to a stable value while acNa increased exponentially, with a time constant of 1.8 +/- 0.7 min (n = 8). Analysis of the time course of acNa indicates that the pump Na flux is linearly related to acNa in the range 2-12 mM. These results indicate that acNa plays an important role in relating apical Na entry to basolateral active Na flux.

Decrease of potassium permeability by intracellular application of sodium ions in snail neurons

In the identified neurons B1, B2 and B3 of Helix pomatia an intracellular injection of Na+ induced an outward current in 10% and an inward current in 90% of the experiments. The outward current was associated with an increase and the inward current with a decrease of the membrane conductance. Both currents reversed at membrane potentials of between -60 and -70 mV. Inward currents were also elicited by intracellular Li+ or tris-[hydroxymethyl]-aminomethane (Tris+) injection. All inward currents were reduced by extracellular administration of tetraethylammonium or quinine. It is suggested that the outward current represents a calcium-activated potassium current and that the inward current is due to a blockade of potassium channels from the intracellular side.

Effects of intracellular sodium and potassium iontophoresis on membrane potentials and resistances in toad urinary bladder

Glass microelectrodes were used to measure membrane potentials and the ratio of apical to basolateral membrane resistances before and after the passage of current from the potential-recording microelectrode to ground, in toad urinary bladder epithelium, in order to iontophorese cations into the cell. After application of the current, there was a transient change in the tip potential of the microelectrode. This artifact was measured with the microelectrode in the mucosal medium and was subtracted from the potential recorded in the cell. The serosal medium was bathed by Ringer's solution containing 51.5 mM K+ to minimize any current-induced increase of K+ in the unstirred layer. Under those conditions, both Na+ and K+ iontophoresis caused a significant hyperpolarization of basolateral membrane potential (Vcs) and a significant increase in the ratio of apical to basolateral membrane resistances (Ra/Rb). When bladders were exposed to amiloride in the mucosal solution, Na+ iontophoresis caused the basolateral membrane to hyperpolarize, but no significant changes were observed in Ra/Rb. When Na+ was injected in the presence of serosal ouabain, Vcs depolarized and Ra/Rb increased. K+ iontophoresis caused the basolateral membrane potential to hyperpolarize in the presence of ouabain but Ra/Rb did not change significantly. These results indicate that the Na+ pump in toad bladder is rheogenic, that apical Na+ conductance is sensitive to the cell levels of Na+ and K+ and that the basolateral membrane is K+ permeable.

The facilitating effect of gangliosides on the electrogenic (Na+/K+) pump and on the resistance of the membrane potential to hypoxia in neuromuscular preparation

The effects have been investigated of a mixture of gangliosides from beef brain cortex (GM1, GD1a, GD1b and GT1) either added to the bathing medium or injected intraperitoneally on muscle fibres and nerve terminals in mouse diaphragm. The electrogenic (Na+/K+) pump activity of muscle fibres enriched with sodium was increased by 38% after 2-h pretreatment with gangliosides (5 X 10(-8) mol X 1(-1]. Muscles from animals treated with gangliosides did not show the substantial depolarization of the resting membrane potential (RMP) in K+-free solution (6 h) shown by control muscles. Further, treatment with gangliosides slowed the changes in muscle fibre RMP and frequency of the miniature end-plate potentials in oxygen deprived muscles.

Influence of Na/K pump current on action potentials in Purkinje fibers

Moderate changes in the size of the outward (hyperpolarizing) current that is generated directly by the electrogenic Na/K exchange pump in the surface membrane of cardiac Purkinje fibers can cause substantial alterations in the shape of the action potential, in the level of the diastolic potential, or of the resting potential of quiescent cells, or in the rate of firing of spontaneously active preparations. Transient increments in Na/K pump current, of suitable magnitude, can be elicited experimentally in small canine Purkinje fibers by causing a transient increase in their intracellular Na concentration, [Na]i, and, thereby, a transient increase in the rate of electrogenic Na extrusion. Two techniques were used to increase [Na]i: in the first, the rate of Na extrusion from the cells was temporarily reduced by omitting K ions from the bathing fluid for short periods of time, in the second, the rate of Na entry into the cells was temporarily increased by electrically stimulating the preparations rapidly (e.g., greater than or equal to 2 Hz) for brief periods. After the extracellular K concentration was restored, or after electrical stimulation was stopped, respectively, use of a two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique allowed the resulting increments in pump current to be measured directly, as changes in holding current. Increments in pump current elicited by these two methods in the same preparation decline with the same exponential time-course. In preparations stimulated electrically at a regular, low rate (e.g., less than or equal to 1 Hz) both methods of temporarily stimulating the Na/K pump cause a marked, transient reduction in the duration of the action potential. A closely similar reduction in action-potential duration to that observed during enhanced pump activity can be elicited by injecting, from an external source, a steady hyperpolarizing current of magnitude similar to that of the increment in pump current recorded in the same preparation under voltage clamp.