The Efflux of Sodium from Single Crab Muscle Fibres

Abstract

The efflux of radioactive sodium injected into single muscle fibres from the leg muscles ofMaia squinado(Herbst) has been studied. The efflux is reduced by the sodium-pump-inhibitor ouabain and by removal of the external potassium. An increase in external potassium leads to a transient increase in sodium efflux which is then followed by a decline to a value well below the normal level. Externally applied caffeine and injected calcium can, under certain conditions, cause a lowering of the sodium efflux which may be associated with contraction of the fibre. The injection of lactate and pyruvate did not affect the efflux. The results are discussed in terms of the possible effects of the structure of the fibre on the efflux.