Abstract

An electro-osmotic model is developed to examine the influence of plasma membrane superficial charges on the regulation of cell ionic composition. Assuming membrane osmotic equilibrium, the ion distribution predicted by Gouy-Chapman-Grahame (GCG) theory is introduced into ion transport equations, which include a kinetic model of the Na/K-ATPase based on the stimulation of this ion pump by internal Na + ions. The algebro-differential equation system describing dynamics of the cell model has a unique resting state, stable with respect to finite-sized perturbations of various types. Negative charges on the membrane are found to greatly enhance relaxation toward steady state following these perturbations. We show that this heightened stability stems from electrostatic interactions at the inner membrane side that shift resting state coordinates along the sigmoidal activation curve of the sodium pump, thereby increasing the pump sensitivity to internal Na + fluctuations. The accuracy of electrostatic potential description with GCG theory is proved using an alternate formalism, based on irreversible thermodynamics, which shows that pressure contribution to ion potential energy is negligible in electrostatic double layers formed at the surfaces of biological membranes. We discuss implications of the results regarding a reliable operation of ionic process coupled to the transmembrane electrochemical gradient of Na + ions.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.