Biophysical Journal 26: 585-590 (1979)
© 1979 the Biophysical Society

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Oxford, G S Articles by Swenson, R P Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Oxford, G S Articles by Swenson, R P

n-Alkanols potentiate sodium channel inactivation in squid giant axons.

ABSTRACT

The effects of n-octanol and n-decanol on nerve membrane sodium channels were examined in internally perfused, voltage-clamped squid giant axons. Both n-octanol and n-decanol almost completely eliminated the residual sodium conductance at the end of 8-ms voltage steps. In contrast, peak sodium conductance was only partially reduced. This block of peak and residual sodium conductance was very reversible and seen with both internal and external alkanol application. The differential sensitivity of peak and residual conductance to alkanol treatment was eliminated after internal pronase treatment, suggesting that n-octanol and n-decanol enhance the normal inactivation mechanism rather than directly blocking channels in a time-dependent manner.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				B. L. Moss, A. D. Fuller, C. L. Sahley, and B. D. Burrell Serotonin Modulates Axo-Axonal Coupling Between Neurons Critical for Learning in the Leech J Neurophysiol, October 1, 2005; 94(4): 2575 - 2589. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				H. Nilsson and C. Aalkjaer Vasomotion: Mechanisms and Physiological Importance Mol. Interv., March 1, 2003; 3(2): 79 - 89. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]