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. 1974 Oct;242(1):49–60. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.1974.sp010693

Long-term effect of ouabain and sodium pump inhibition on a neuronal membrane

A L F Gorman, M F Marmor
PMCID: PMC1330599  PMID: 4436828

Abstract

1. The long-term effects of ouabain on the membrane potential of the Anisodoris giant neurone (G cell) were examined in cells maintained for periods of up to 15 hr at 11-13° C.

2. In the presence of ouabain (5 × 10-4 M), the membrane potential depolarized to a constant level for 1-4 hr, then hyperpolarized for 5-7 hr after which it gradually depolarized again.

3. During the hyperpolarizing phase, after 6-8 hr in ouabain, [K]1 fell approximately 50%, [Na]1 increased 50-100% and the PNa/PK ratio decreased to 25% of its initial value.

4. After 8 hr in ouabain the membrane conductance increased two- to fourfold. This increase was independent of temperature and membrane rectification.

5. The K permeability (PK) was calculated from the constant field equation, and showed a fourfold increase after long-term treatment with ouabain. This rise in PK probably underlies the membrane hyperpolarization and the decrease in the PNa/PK ratio.

6. It is suggested that inhibition of the Na+ pump with ouabain causes a gradual rise in [Na]1 which secondarily leads to Ca2+ uptake, an increase in [Ca]1, and thereby an increase in PK.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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