These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: Effects of divalent cations on toad end-plate channels.
    Author: Takeda K, Gage PW, Barry PH.
    Journal: J Membr Biol; 1982; 64(1-2):55-66. PubMed ID: 6276548.
    Abstract:
    Miniature end-plate currents (MEPCs) and acetylcholine-induced current fluctuations were recorded in voltage-clamped, glycerol-treated toad sartorius muscle fibers in control solution and in solutions with added divalent cations. In isosmotic solutions containing 20 mM Ca or Mg, MEPCs had time constants of decay (tau D) which were about 30% slower than normal. In isotonic Ca solutions (Na-free), greater increases in both tau D and channel lifetime were seen; the null potential was -34 mV, and single-channel conductance decreased to approximately 5 pS. Zn or Ni, at concentrations of 0.1-5 mM, were much more effective in increasing tau D than Ca or Mg, although they did not greatly affect channel conductance. The normal temperature and voltage sensitivity of tau was not significantly altered by any of the added divalent cations. Surface potential shifts arising from screening of membrane fixed charge by divalent cations cannot entirely explain the observed increases in tau, especially when taken together with changes in channel conductance.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]