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B Hille

Publications and source records attributed to B Hille.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1976

Conductance of the sodium channel in myelinated nerve fibres with modified sodium inactivation.

1. Na current fluctuations in nodes of Ranvier were measured under voltage clamp conditions as described in the preceding paper (Conti, Hille, Neumcke, Nonner & Stämpfli, 1976) and analysed in terms of power spectral density calculated for frequencies between 30 Hz and 5 kHz. 2. External (10(-5) g/ml.) Leiurus scorpion venom or Anemonia Toxin II (3 X 10(-5) g/ml.) or internal 20 mM iodate were applied in order to remove or slow down inactivation in part of the Na channels. The treatment increased the steady-state Na current during the noise measurement one-to eight fold over that in normal fibres. 3. Noise spectra were interpreted as the sum of 1/f noise and noise SNa(f) due to all-or-none, open-close transitions of single Na channels. The drug effects on the inactivation could be accounted for either by assuming two populations of channels, one with and one without inactivation, or by postulating a single population with modified inactivation characteristics. 4. Except for an increase in amplitude, the fluctuation spectra SNa(f) were similar to the ones in normal nodes. Again, the time constants taum obtained from the fit of the spectra agreed within a factor of 2 with the values of taum found in the macroscopic Na currents. 5. From the fluctuation spectra, single Na channel conductances gamma of 5-4 +/- 0-4 pS (iodate), 6-7 +/- 0-5 pS (Leiurus) and 7-0 +/- 0-6 pS (Anemonia) were calculated. The value of gamma was not significantly voltage dependent. 6. Our observations indicate that inactivation of Na channels can be modified with at most small effects on the microscopic properties of the activation process and on the conductance of the open channel. They suggest that the h mechanism normally produces all-or-none, open-close changes of conductance.

Animals↗
PubMed1975

Negative surface charge near sodium channels of nerve: divalent ions, monovalent ions, and pH.

Evidence is given for a high density of negative surface charge near the sodium channel of myelinated nerve fibres. The voltage dependence of peak sodium permeability is measured in a voltage clamp. The object is to measure voltage shifts in sodium activation as the following external variables are varied: divalent cation concentration and type, monovalent concentration, and pH. With equimolar substitution of divalent ions the order of effectiveness for giving a positive shift is: Ba equals Sr less than Mg less than Ca less than Co approximately equal to Mn less than Ni less than Zn. A tenfold increase of concentration of any of these ions gives a shift of +20 to +25 mV. At low pH, the shift with a tenfold increase in Ca-2+ is much less than at normal pH, and conversely for high pH. Soulutions with no added divalent ions give a shift of minus 18 mV relative to 2 mM Ca-2+. Removal of 7/8 of the cations from the calcium-free solution gives a further shift of minue 35 mV. All shifts are explained quantitatively by assuming that changes in an external surface potential set up by fixed charges near the sodium channel produce the shifts. The model involves a diffuse double layer of counterions at the nerve surface and some binding of H+ions and divalent ions to the fixed charges. Three types of surface groups are postulated: (1) an acid pKa equals 2.88 charge density minus 0.9 nm- minus 2; (i) an acid pKa equals 4.58, charge density minus 0.58 nm- minus 2; (3) a base pKa equals 6.28, charge density +0.33 nm- minus 2. The two acid groups also bind Ca-2+ ions with a dissociation constant K equals 28 M. Reasonable agreement can also be obtained with a lower net surface charge density and stronger binding of divalent ions and H+ ions.

Animals↗
PubMed1975

Ionic selectivity, saturation, and block in sodium channels. A four-barrier model.

Ionic fluxes in Na channels of myelinated axons show ionic competition, block, and deviations from simple flux independence. These phenomena are particularly evident when external Na+ ions are replaced by other permeant or impermeant ions. The observed currents require new flux equations not based on the concepts of free diffusion. A specific permeability model for the Na channel is developed from Eyring rate theory applied to a chain of saturable binding sites. There are four energy barriers in the pore and only one ion is allowed inside at a time. Deviations from independence arise from saturation. The model shows that ionic permeability ratios measured from zero-current potentials can differ from those measured from relative current amplitudes or conductances. The model can be fitted to experiments with various external sodium substitutes by varying only two parameters: For each ion the height of the major energy barrier (the selectivity filter) determines the biionic zero-current potential and the depth of the energy well (binding site) just external to that barrier then determines the current amplitudes. Voltage clamp measurements with myelinated nerve fibers are given showing numerous examples of deviations from independence in ionic fluxes. Strong blocks of ionic currents by guanidinium compounds and Tl+ ions are fitted by binding within the channel with apparent dissociation constants in the range 50-122 mM. A small block with high Na+ concentrations can be fitted by Na+ ion binding with a dissociation constant of 368 mM. The barrier model is given a molecular interpretation that includes stepwise dehydration of the permeating ion as it interacts with an ionized carboxylic acid.

Animals↗
PubMed1975

An essential ionized acid group in sodium channels.

Several recent experiments demonstrate the presence of an essential negatively charged acid group within sodium channels. Sodium permeability titrates away at low pH as if controlled by an acid with a voltage-dependent apparent pKa in the range between 5 and 6. The alkali ion permeability sequence of the channel is best explained by interactions between the cations and a strong negative charge in the channel. Block of sodium currents by a variety of metal and organic cations again points to a cation-coordinating site in the channel. The "blocking cations" and protons also oppose the bindings of tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin. The negative charge in the channel seems to be essential in selecting appropriate cations and in lowering their activation energy for permeation. The same charge seems to form part of the toxin receptor. At present this charged group is the chemical group known to be associated with sodium channels.--Hille B. An essential ionized acid group in sodium channels.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed1973

Potassium channels in myelinated nerve. Selective permeability to small cations.

The permeability of K channels to various cations is studied in myelinated nerve. Ionic currents under voltage clamp are measured in Ringer solution containing tetrodotoxin and a high concentration of the test ion. Reversal potentials for current in K channels are determined and used with the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation to calculate relative permeabilities. The ratios P(Tl):P(K):P(Rb):P(NHNH4) are 2.3:1.00:0.92:0.13. No other ions are found to be measurably permeant including Li(+), Na(+), Cs(+), methylamine, guanidine, hydrazine, or hydroxylamine. The ratio P(Na)/P(K) is less than 0.01. Potassium conductance is depressed at pH values below 5.0. Leakage conductance is higher in K, Rb, Cs, NH(4), and Tl Ringer than in Na Ringer, but the selectivity sequence probably is not the same as for K channels. The hypothesis is offered that the narrowest part of the K channel is a circle of oxygen atoms about 3 A in diameter with low electrostatic field strength.

Animals↗
PubMed1972

The inner quaternary ammonium ion receptor in potassium channels of the node of Ranvier.

Quaternary ammonium ions were applied to the inside of single myelinated nerve fibers by diffusion from a cut end. The resulting block of potassium channels in the node of Ranvier was studied under voltage-clamp conditions. The results agree in almost all respects with similar studies by Armstrong of squid giant axons. With tetraethylammonium ion (TEA), pentyltriethylammonium ion (C(5)), or nonyltriethylammonium ion (C(9)) inside the node, potassium current during a depolarization begins to rise at the normal rate, reaches a peak, and then falls again. This unusual inactivation is more complete with C(9) than with TEA. Larger depolarizations give more block. Thus the block of potassium channels grows with time and voltage during a depolarization. The block reverses with repolarization, but for C(9) full reversal takes seconds at -75 mv. The reversal is faster in 120 mM KCl Ringer's and slower during a hyperpolarization to -125 mv. All of these effects contrast with the time and voltage-independent block of potassium, channels seen with external quaternary ammonium ions on the node of Ranvier. External TEA, C(5), and C(9) block without inactivation. The external quaternary ammonium ion receptor appears to be distinct from the inner one. Apparently the inner quaternary ammonium ion receptor can be reached only when the activation gate for potassium channels is open. We suggest that the inner receptor lies within the channel and that the channel is a pore with its activation gate near the axoplasmic end.

Animals↗
PubMed1972

The permeability of the sodium channel to metal cations in myelinated nerve.

The relative permeability of sodium channels to eight metal cations is studied in myelinated nerve fibers. Ionic currents under voltage-clamp conditions are measured in Na-free solutions containing the test ion. Measured reversal potentials and the Goldman equation are used to calculate the permeability sequence: Na(+) approximately Li(+) > Tl(+) > K(+). The ratio P(K)/P(Na) is 1/12. The permeabilities to Rb(+), Cs(+), Ca(++), and Mg(++) are too small to measure. The permeability ratios agree with observations on the squid giant axon and show that the reversal potential E(Na) differs significantly from the Nernst potential for Na(+) in normal axons. Opening and closing rates for sodium channels are relatively insensitive to the ionic composition of the bathing medium, implying that gating is a structural property of the channel rather than a result of the movement or accumulation of particular ions around the channel. A previously proposed pore model of the channel accommodates the permeant metal cations in a partly hydrated form. The observed sequence of permeabilities follows the order expected for binding to a high field strength anion in Eisenman's theory of ion exchange equilibria.

Animals↗
PubMed1971

The hydration of sodium ions crossing the nerve membrane.

The sodium channel of the excitability mechanism in nerve membranes is about as permeable to hydroxylamine and hydrazine cations as it is to sodium ions. It is impermeable to methylamine cations. This selectivity is explained by supposing that an oxygen group in the channel must receive a hydrogen bond from the permeating cation at the same time as the cation lies against another negatively charged oxygen acid. If these conditions are not satisfied the cation cannot permeate. Sodium ions can satisfy this hydrogen-bonding requirement if they have a water of hydration. The H(2)O.Na complex also has almost the same dimensions as the hydroxylamine and hydrazine cations. This hydrated ion is probably part of the critical complex between sodium ions and the selectivity mechanism of the sodium channel.

Animals↗
PubMed1971

The permeability of the sodium channel to organic cations in myelinated nerve.

The relative permeability of sodium channels to 21 organic cations was studied in myelinated nerve fibers. Ionic currents under voltage-clamp conditions were measured in sodium-free solutions containing the test cation. The measured reversal potential and the Goldman equation were used to calculate relative permeabilities. The permeability sequence was: sodium approximately hydroxylamine > hydrazine > ammonium approximately formamidine approximately guanidine approximately hydroxyguanidine > aminoguanididine >> methylamine. The cations of the following compounds were not measurably permeant: N-methylhydroxylamine, methylhydrazine, methylamine, methylguanidine, acetamidine, dimethylamine, tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, ethanolamine, choline, tris(hydroxymethyl)amino methane, imidazole, biguanide, and triaminoguanidine. Thus methyl and methylene groups render cations impermeant. The results can be explained on geometrical grounds by assuming that the sodium channel is an oxygen-lined pore about 3 A by 5 A in cross-section. One pair of oxygens is assumed to be an ionized carboxylic acid. Methyl and amino groups are wider than the 3 A width of the channel. Nevertheless, cations containing amino groups can slide through the channel by making hydrogen bonds to the oxygens. However, methyl groups, being unable to form hydrogen bonds, are too wide to pass through.

Amidines↗
PubMed1971

Analysis of the potential-dependent changes in optical retardation in the squid giant axon.

1. An analysis has been made of the change in optical retradation of the membrane elicited by the application of voltage-clamp pulses in squid giant axons.2. The retardation response consists of three separate voltage-dependent components. For freshly mounted axons, defined as being in state 1, hyperpolarizing pulses give a rapid increase in the light intensity measured with crossed polarizers which has been termed the fast phase. This is followed by a rather slow return towards the base line termed the rebound. On treatment of the axon with certain agents that include tetrodotoxin, high calcium and terbium, the rebound disappears and the fast phase slows down, increases in size, and has a new slow component added to it. This transition from state 1 to a second state, 2, appears to be irreversible.3. In state 1, the time constant of the fast phase is 20-40 musec at 13 degrees C; it has a very large negative temperature coefficient (Q(10) = Ca.(1/8)). The size of the retardation change is independent of temperature and varies as the square of the applied voltage, but the voltage-retardation curve is symmetrical about a point well beyond zero membrane potential, at an internal potential of around + 70 mV. In state 2, the time constant is about five times larger, and varies much less markedly with temperature; the apex of the voltage-retardation curve is shifted to + 200 mV.4. The rebound has a time constant of the order of 20 msec at 13 degrees C. A 10 degrees rise in temperature more than halves the time constant and roughly doubles the amplitude of the rebound. The voltage dependence of the rebound differed from that of the fast phase.5. The slow component of state 2 has a time constant of about 2 msec which does not change noticeably between 10 and 25 degrees C. The size of this component seems to be linearly dependent on the applied voltage, rather than obeying a square law.6. A tenfold increase in external calcium concentration had no discernible effect on the fast and slow phases, but reversibly reduced the amplitude of the rebound nearly to half.7. In experiments on perfused axons, the retardation response was not measurably altered by any of the modifications made to the composition of the perfusing fluid.8. There was some indication of the possible existence of a small current- or conductance-dependent component of the retardation response.9. These phenomena seem likely to originate either from molecular relaxation processes analogous with the Kerr effect, or from changes in membrane thickness under the influence of the pressure exerted by the electric field. However, the specific molecules involved in the retardation response cannot yet be identified.

Animals↗
PubMed1970

Changes in axon birefringence during the action potential.

1. Observations have been made on the changes in optical retardation accompanying the passage of impulses along crab leg nerves and squid giant axons.2. The nerves were mounted on the stage of a polarizing microscope, at 45 degrees to the planes of polarization and analysis, brightly illuminated with white light. During the nerve impulse the intensity of the light passing the analyser decreased temporarily by 1 part in 10(3)-10(6). Signal-averaging techniques were used to obtain an acceptable ratio of signal to noise.3. The changes in light intensity recorded under these conditions were shown to arise almost entirely from alterations in retardation, with little or no interference from scattering, absorption, linear dichroism or optical rotation effects; the occurrence of stimulus and coupling artifacts was also ruled out.4. In the squid giant axon, the retardation change was shown to be located in a thin cylinder immediately surrounding the axoplasm, and to have a radially oriented optic axis.5. The time course of the decrease in optical retardation was very similar to that of the action potential recorded with an intracellular electrode, suggesting that the retardation closely followed the electrical potential across the membrane.

Action Potentials↗