Dependency of the resting membrane potential on the extracellular chloride concentration in identified neurons of Helix pomatia

Abstract

In identified neurons of Helix pomatia, a withdrawal of extracellular Cl − led (i) to a transient hyperpolarization and to a following permanent depolarization of the normal resting membrane potential (RMP), (ii) to a decrease of the membrane resistance and (iii) to a decline of the intracellular Cl − and K + activity. After readmission of control solution a further depolarization occurred transiently. It is concluded that membrane potential changes under Cl − free solution are caused by an increase in K + conductance and a decrease of the K + equilibrium potential.