The balance of cations in the plasma of vertebrates and its significance in relation to the properties of cell membranes

Burton, R.F. (1973) The balance of cations in the plasma of vertebrates and its significance in relation to the properties of cell membranes. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology, 44(3), pp. 781-792. (doi: 10.1016/0300-9629(73)90142-4) (PMID:4146624)

Abstract

1. Analysis of published data on vertebrate plasma reveals an interrelationship amongst the mean concentrations of sodium, potassium and diffusible calcium for each species such that the molar ratio ([Ca]+ 5 × 10−4)/([K]+ 0·034 [Na]) is nearly constant. 2. The more numerous data relating to total rather than diffusible calcium support this conclusion. 3. The balance of cations in the different species is such that cell membranes with particular surface charge and permeability properties would have across them, between their inner and outer diffuse double layers, similar gradients of electrical potential.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Burton, Dr Richard
• Authors: Burton, R.F.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
• Journal Name: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology
• Publisher: Pergamon Press
• ISSN: 0300-9629