Journal of comparative physiology

, Volume 94, Issue 4, pp 321–329 | Cite as

Bioelectric potentials in the gills of the flounderPlatichthys flesus

  • T. J. Shuttleworth
  • W. T. W. Potts
  • J. N. Harris
Article

Summary

Measurements of the potential between the external medium and the body fluids of flounders placed in an external medium of Ringer solution have revealed the presence of a steady potential averaging 4·1 mV, inside positive. Isolated gill preparations perfused and bathed in identical Ringer solutions show a similar potential (averaging +6·9 mV) and demonstrate that it cannot be a diffusion potential. Experiments with the perfused preparation have further shown that this potential is dependent on metabolism and is markedly reduced by concentrations of ouabain down to 10−5M (see Fig. 3), thiocyanate down to 5×10−3M (see Fig. 4) and in the absence of potassium in the external medium. It is concluded that the observed potentials result from the active transport of ions across the branchial epithelium.

Keywords

Potassium Human Physiology Body Fluid Active Transport Thiocyanate 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 1974

Authors and Affiliations

  • T. J. Shuttleworth
    • 1
  • W. T. W. Potts
    • 1
  • J. N. Harris
    • 1
  1. 1.Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of LancasterLancasterUK

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