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. 1972 Nov 1;60(5):519–533. doi: 10.1085/jgp.60.5.519

Active Transport of Potassium by the Giant Neuron of the Aplysia Abdominal Ganglion

J M Russell 1, A M Brown 1
PMCID: PMC2226092  PMID: 4644326

Abstract

We measured the internal potassium activity, ai K, and membrane potential, Em, simultaneously in 111 R2 giant neurons of Aplysia californica. ai K was 165.3 ± 3.4 mM, Em was -47.8 ± 0.9 mv, and E K calculated using the Nernst equation was -76.9 ± 0.05 mv. Such values were maintained for as long as 6 hr of continuous recording in untreated cells, ai K fell exponentially after the following treatments: cooling to 0.5°–4°C, ouabain, zero external potassium, 2,4-dinitrophenol, and cyanide. The effects of cooling and zero potassium were reversible. Potassium permeability was calculated from net potassium flux using the constant field equation and ranged from 2.6 to 18.5 x 10-8 cm/sec. We conclude that potassium is actively transported into this neuron against a 30–40 mv electrochemical gradient.

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Selected References

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