Ionophore-mediated Ca2+ countertransport: role of Na+, Li+ or H+ gradient.

In an artificial system, the ionophore A23187, which transports Ca2+ but not Na+, is able to mediate the uphill translocation of Ca2+ from one aqueous medium to another across an organic immiscible phase, provided that a Na+, Li+ or H+ gradient is imposed on the system. Therefore, in the process known as Na-Ca countertransport, the downhill influx of Na+ may not be necessary for causing Ca2+ extrusion against its electrochemical gradient.