Physiological Origins of Cellular Potassium

Abstract

EQUATIONS describing potassium equilibria across cells have been considered in a previous communication¹, and more fully elsewhere², with experimental proof of the principles involved with respect to potassium accumulation. Such potassium equilibria are largely conditioned by the nature of the products formed in the cell, especially the phosphate esters, and by the characteristic permeabilities of the membrane. That there is some association of potassium with phosphate is evident if only from an inspection of ash analyses, but the real problem for this special cation accumulation has lain in the manner of its occurrence and physiological significance. With this latter, or functional value, as distinct from mechanism the present communication is concerned.