Abstract
Lithium sensitive microelectrodes were used to investigate the transmembrane distribution of lithium ions (Li+) in motoneurons of the isolated frog spinal cord. After addition of 5 mmol·l−1 LiCl to the bathing solution the extracellular diffusion of Li+ was measured. At a depth of 500 μm, about 60 min elapsed before the extracellular Li+ concentration approached that of the bathing solution. Intracellular measurements revealed that Li+ started to enter the cells soon after reaching the motoneuron pool and after up to 120 min superfusion, an intra — to extracellular concentration ratio of about 0.7 was obtained. The resting membrane potential and height of antidromically evoked action potentials were not altered by 5 mmol·l−1 Li+.
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Grafe, P., Rimpel, J., Reddy, M.M. et al. Lithium distribution across the membrane of motoneurons in the isolated frog spinal cord. Pflugers Arch. 393, 297–301 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00581413
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00581413