| Abstract: | The transmembrane potential of cells from a continuous cell line (BHK-21) has been investigated by a combination of electrophysiological and flame photometric techniques. The ratio of sodium permeability to potassium permeability (PNa/PK) determined from membrane potentials recorded at varying external potassium concentrations was 0.082; from membrane potential measurements and the intracellular sodium and potassium concentrations of cells in 6.8 mM K+ media the value was 0.075. The PNa/PK ratio was not temperature dependent. Dinitrophenol (1 mM) did not significantly alter the membrane potential of cells incubated for one hour with the inhibitor. However, iodoacetate (1 mM) and sodium fluoride (30 mM) caused a significant depolarization during a one-hour incubation. Measurements of sodium and potassium concentrations during incubation at 4°C showed a decrease in internal potassium and an increase in internal sodium accompanied by a decreased membrane potential. Ion concentrations and membrane potentials were measured in cells recovering at 37°C following 24 hours at 4°C. Membrane potentials in excess of EK during the first ten minutes of recovery may indicate electrogenic pumping. |
