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An effect of the electrogenic sodium pump on the membrane potential in beating guinea-pig atria

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Summary

The membrane potential of guinea-pig atria was measured in different media before, during and after electrical stimulation of various durations. The stimulus duration and frequency (3 pulses/sec) were kept constant.

During short stimulation (<1 min) in Tyrode solution at 35°C the membrane potential depolarized first quickly and later on more slowly. Following cessation of the stimulus train the membrane potential repolarized to the resting value within 1–2 min.

Prolonged stimulation (1–7 min) in Tyrode solution at 35°C likewise caused an initial depolarization of membrane potential. Thereafter, the membrane potential repolarized although stimulation continued. After the end of the stimulation period the membrane potential hyperpolarized beyond the resting potential for several minutes. Maximum hyperpolarization was achieved ca. 1 min after the end of the stimulus train.

In Tyrode solution at 25°C both the repolarization of the membrane potential during long stimulation and the hyperpolarization after it were diminished. The same effect was observed in Na poor fluids, which contained only 50 or 33% of the Na concentrations in Tyrode solution.

Digitoxigenine (3·10−6 g/ml), when added to Tyrode solution at 35°C, also reduced the repolarization of membrane potential during, and the hyperpolarization after, a long stimulus train.

Compared to the resting value the membrane resistance was essentially unchanged 1–3 min after a 2 min stimulation period.

From these results it is concluded, that an active, electrogenic Na pump contributes to the membrane potential of beating guinea-pig auricles.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lehrstuhl für Zellphysiologie, Ruhr-Unversität Bochum and Sonderforschungsbereich 114 Bionach, Postfach 2148, D-4630, Bochum, Germany

    H. G. Glitsch

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  1. H. G. Glitsch
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Glitsch, H.G. An effect of the electrogenic sodium pump on the membrane potential in beating guinea-pig atria. Pflugers Arch. 344, 169–180 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00586550

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00586550

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