Biomaterial Database

The hyperpolarizing region of the current-voltage curve in frog skin. 1970

O A Candia

Excitability (action potential and refractory period) has been described by A. Finkelstein in the depolarizing region of the current-voltage (I-V) curve of the isolated frog skin. Recently Fishman and Macey interpreted this phenomenon as a consequence of a region with negative resistance that confers to the I-V curve an N shape. We have studied the I-V relation of the isolated frog skin in the hyperpolarizing region with a current-ramp system. It was found that in Na(2)SO(4) Ringer's, the resistance continuously increases in the hyperpolarizing direction. When hyperpolarization reaches 300 mv an electrical breakdown occurs, occasionally followed by a region of negative resistance. In NaCl Ringer's the breakdown was also found although the I-V relation was reasonably linear. Unidirectional Na(+) outflux was measured at different levels of voltage clamping across the skin and with different Na(+) concentrations in the solutions. The Na(+) outflux was found to be relatively independent of these parameters. Based on these results a Na(+) rectifying structure is postulated. An electrical model for active Na(+) transport including a diode and an oscillator is proposed. The effects of CO(2), nitrogen, amiloride, and ouabain on the I-V relation are described.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008954	Models, Biological	Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of biological processes or diseases. For disease models in living animals, DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL is available. Biological models include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment.	Biological Model,Biological Models,Model, Biological,Models, Biologic,Biologic Model,Biologic Models,Model, Biologic
D009584	Nitrogen	An element with the atomic symbol N, atomic number 7, and atomic weight [14.00643; 14.00728]. Nitrogen exists as a diatomic gas and makes up about 78% of the earth's atmosphere by volume. It is a constituent of proteins and nucleic acids and found in all living cells.
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
D011719	Pyrazines	A heterocyclic aromatic organic compound with the chemical formula C4H4N2.	Pyrazine
D002245	Carbon Dioxide	A colorless, odorless gas that can be formed by the body and is necessary for the respiration cycle of plants and animals.	Carbonic Anhydride,Anhydride, Carbonic,Dioxide, Carbon
D004232	Diuretics	Agents that promote the excretion of urine through their effects on kidney function.	Diuretic,Diuretic Effect,Diuretic Effects,Effect, Diuretic,Effects, Diuretic
D004566	Electrodes	Electric conductors through which electric currents enter or leave a medium, whether it be an electrolytic solution, solid, molten mass, gas, or vacuum.	Anode,Anode Materials,Cathode,Cathode Materials,Anode Material,Anodes,Cathode Material,Cathodes,Electrode,Material, Anode,Material, Cathode
D004594	Electrophysiology	The study of the generation and behavior of electrical charges in living organisms particularly the nervous system and the effects of electricity on living organisms.
D000200	Action Potentials	Abrupt changes in the membrane potential that sweep along the CELL MEMBRANE of excitable cells in response to excitation stimuli.	Spike Potentials,Nerve Impulses,Action Potential,Impulse, Nerve,Impulses, Nerve,Nerve Impulse,Potential, Action,Potential, Spike,Potentials, Action,Potentials, Spike,Spike Potential
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