Abstract
The effect of the cardiac glycoside ouabain in a concentration of 10−4 M on the electrical properties of the Retzius cells in a segmental ganglion of the central nervous system ofHirudo medicinalis was studied by a microelectrode technique. The first phase of the response is depolarization of the cell membrane by 4–11 mV and an increase in the frequency of spontaneous activity with no change in the electrical resistance, both of which develop after about 1 min. The second phase, taking 2–10 min to complete, is characterized by the cessation of spike activity and by a decrease in the resistance of the membrane, and also by the total disappearance of electrical transmission such as is normally observed between the two cells of the ganglion. The response is reversible by prolonged rinsing to remove the ouabain.
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Tereshkov, O.D., Dolzhanov, A.I. Electrical responses of Retzius cells of the leech to inhibition of active ionic transport by ouabain. Bull Exp Biol Med 78, 974–977 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00796639
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00796639