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Cation selectivity of the resting membrane of squid axon

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Summary

Permeability constant ratios among monovalent cations were studied in the resting membrane of a giant axon of a Pacific squid,Loligo opalescens, by observing the relationship between the membrane potential and the ion concentration.

The average permeability ratios are: Tl, 1.8; K, 1.0; Rb, 0.72; Cs, 0.16; Na, <0.08; Li, <0.08. These permeability ratios suggest that neither valinomycin nor nonactin are adequate models for the sites producing the resting permeability in the axonal membrane.

Cyclic polyetherbis(t-butyl cyclohexyl) 18-crown-6 does not increase the permeability ratioP Cs/P K except when applied at concentrations (5×10−5 m) at which the surfactant properties of this molecule may become significant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology, U.C.L.A., 90024, Los Angeles, California

    S. Hagiwara, D. C. Eaton, A. E. Stuart & N. P. Rosenthal

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  1. S. Hagiwara
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  2. D. C. Eaton
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  3. A. E. Stuart
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  4. N. P. Rosenthal
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Hagiwara, S., Eaton, D.C., Stuart, A.E. et al. Cation selectivity of the resting membrane of squid axon. J. Membrain Biol. 9, 373–384 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01868063

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01868063

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