The contribution of local blood flow to the rapid clearance of potassium from the cortical extracellular space.

The transport of potassium to the blood stream following stimulation of the cortex in cats is evaluated by means of a potassium sensitive microelectrode technique. Potassium levels are measured in cortical veins, the sagittal sinus and the extracellular space during and after both pharmacological and electrical stimulation of the cortex. It is concluded that the potassium transport to the blood stream is not a significant factor in the rapid clearance of potassium from the extracellular space following stimulation.