Interactions in vitro of isolated nerve-ending with ions

Abstract

In comparison with other excitable membranes, interactions with some ions of synaptosomal membranes in vitro were dealt with in the present review. Effects of external high K⁺ on synaptosomal Ca²⁺-binding and on Ca²⁺-influx of synaptosomes were reviewed. External high K⁺ induced the swelling of synaptosomes. Such phenomena were discussed in connection with the liberation of membrane-bound Ca²⁺ From the changes in extrinsic fluorescence, K⁺-induced depolarization of synaptosomal membrane was described. Based on these results, some changes in membrane structure and/or its permeability properties accompanied with depolarization were discussed. In addition, using spin-labels, changes in fluidity of synaptosomal membranes induced some ions were also described.