Redox agents modulate a(K+)0 changes evoked by acetylcholine and adrenaline in frog heart.

It was observed earlier, that in the presence of oxidizing agents the acetylcholine exerted a positive ino- and chronotropic effect, while the positive ino- and chronotropic action of adrenaline was decreased. In the presence of reducing agents both the negative inotropic effect of acetylcholine and the positive inotropic action of adrenaline was increased. Analyzing the ionic mechanism background of these correlations, the changes of extracellular K(+)-activity (a(K+)0) were followed and it was established that; In relation to slow transient changes (in min time ranges) an oxidant decreased the a(K+)0 following acetylcholine, while it increased the a(K+)0 after adrenaline application. A reductant increased the a(K+)0 with acetylcholine, but decreased a(K+)0 in the presence of adrenaline. Because of the inverse character of redox modulation on a(K+)0 levels, a reverse change in a(K+)0 should be (at least one of) the site of action of the opposite effects of oxidants or reductants exerted on ino- and chronotropism of acetylcholine or adrenaline.