An In Vitro Study of the Ionophore Properties of the Acetylcholine Receptor in Torpedo Californica Membrane Fragments

Author: Miller, Donald Lee

Year: 1976

Degree: Master's thesis

Advisor: Raftery, Michael A.

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Chemistry

DOI: 10.7907/QS6A-C151

Abstract

An in vitro system for studying the ionophore properties of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor from the electric organs of Torpedo californica was developed. Efflux of ^(22)Na^+ from microsacs rich in AcChR was studied as a function of the addition of various agonists and antagonists to the medium. In the presence of agonists increased rates of efflux of ^(22)Na^+ occurred, and this affect was abolished in the presence of antagonists. The in vitro response to varying concentrations of carbamylcholine was determined. The desensitization phenomenon occurring in vivo was also found to occur in vitro.

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