Ion fluxes during the inhibitory junction potential in the guinea-pig taenia coli.

1. Contribution of different ions to the inhibitory junction potential (i.j.p.) in the guinea-pig taenia coli was studied by measuring the 42K, 24Na and 36Cl fluxes, the membrane resistance and the influence of various external ion concentrations. 2. The membrane resistance, as measured by the electrotonic potential, decreased transiently during the i.j.p. A maximal reduction of the electrotonic potential of about 50% was found at the top of the i.j.p. 3. The i.j.p. amplitude could be reduced by raising the external potassium concentration. Extrapolation of the relationship observed shows that the inhibitory response would be abolished at 115 mM potassium. Similar experiments were made in chloride-free medium, chloride being replaced by isethionate. Amplitude and time course of the response were not different in chloride containing Locke solution and chloride-free medium. 4. The half-times of 42K, 24Na and 36Cl effluxes during rest were 29, 10 and 9 min respectively. The 42K-efflux from the preparation was markedly increased to about three times the resting efflux during field stimulation. In low-chloride solution a similar effect on 42K-efflux was observed during field stimulation. Only a slight increase in the chloride efflux was observed but the sodium efflux was not affected during field stimulation. 5. From the results presented it is concluded that the inhibitory junction potential is caused by a selective increase in potassium permeability of the smooth-muscle cell membrane.