Biomaterial Database

Effect of ouabain and potassium-free solution on mammalian thermosensitive afferents in vitro. 1975

F K Pierau, and P Torrey, and D Carpenter

Studies have been performed on the afferent fibers innervating the scrotal skin of the rat to test the hypothesis that the generator potential mechanism underlying cold thermosensitivity of these afferent fibers is an electrogenic sodium pump. In these experiments a pudendal nerve-scrotal skin preparation was isolated from the animal and maintained in oxygenated mammalian Ringer's where composition could be varied and drugs added. Application of ouabain resulted in an increae in the discharge of cold sensitive afferent fibers which was more pronounced at 38--41 degrees C than at temperature below 30 degrees C. In most of the cases transient accelerations on cooling were reduced, but often a transient response to warming appeared. The effects of ouabain administration were reversible. Removal of extracellular K at 35 degrees C resulted in an increased discharge of cold sensitive afferents. This observation is consistent with the effects of ouabain, since removal of extracellular K also block Na transport. The generator potential mechanism underlying cold sensitivity of these afferent fibers appears to be an electrogenic Na pump.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008297	Male		Males
D010042	Ouabain	A cardioactive glycoside consisting of rhamnose and ouabagenin, obtained from the seeds of Strophanthus gratus and other plants of the Apocynaceae; used like DIGITALIS. It is commonly used in cell biological studies as an inhibitor of the NA(+)-K(+)-EXCHANGING ATPASE.	Acocantherin,G-Strophanthin,Acolongifloroside K,G Strophanthin
D011188	Potassium	An element in the alkali group of metals with an atomic symbol K, atomic number 19, and atomic weight 39.10. It is the chief cation in the intracellular fluid of muscle and other cells. Potassium ion is a strong electrolyte that plays a significant role in the regulation of fluid volume and maintenance of the WATER-ELECTROLYTE BALANCE.
D003080	Cold Temperature	An absence of warmth or heat or a temperature notably below an accustomed norm.	Cold,Cold Temperatures,Temperature, Cold,Temperatures, Cold
D000344	Afferent Pathways	Nerve structures through which impulses are conducted from a peripheral part toward a nerve center.	Afferent Pathway,Pathway, Afferent,Pathways, Afferent
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D012611	Scrotum	A cutaneous pouch of skin containing the testicles and spermatic cords.	Scrotums
D012867	Skin	The outer covering of the body that protects it from the environment. It is composed of the DERMIS and the EPIDERMIS.
D012964	Sodium	A member of the alkali group of metals. It has the atomic symbol Na, atomic number 11, and atomic weight 23.	Sodium Ion Level,Sodium-23,Ion Level, Sodium,Level, Sodium Ion,Sodium 23
D013696	Temperature	The property of objects that determines the direction of heat flow when they are placed in direct thermal contact. The temperature is the energy of microscopic motions (vibrational and translational) of the particles of atoms.	Temperatures