IONIC MECHANISM OF WATER RECEPTORS IN THE LARYNGEAL MUCOSA OF THE RABBIT

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The effects of various ions on water response was studied by recording unitary discharges in single superior laryngeal nerve fibers of the rabbit. The water response was strongly influenced by anions. The inorganic anions used were divided into 2 groups. One group consisted of anions which depress the water response (depressing anions), the depressing action sequence being SCN- > Br- > Cl- > .**GRAPHIC**. Another one consisted of anions which facilitate the water response (facilitating anions), the facilitating action sequence being citrate .**GRAPHIC**. acetate. Physicochemically, facilitating anions belong to the water structure-making ions group; depressing anions belong to the water structure-breaking ions group. .**GRAPHIC**. weakened the depressing effect of Cl- when the concentration of Cl- was below 60 mM, and enhanced it when the concentration was above 60 mM. Na+ and Li+ had no appreciable effect on the water unit activity but K+ had a weakly stimulating effect. An outflux of anions through the membrane apparently stimulates the water receptor while an influx of anions depresses it, and .**GRAPHIC**. facilitates Cl- permeability. The mechanism of the facilitating effect of .**GRAPHIC**. on Cl- permeation is discussed in terms of the interaction between the water structure surrounding the ions and the receptor membrane.