1. The changes of the membrane potential, of the K equilibrium potential, and of the membrane conductance during K accumulation by K-depleted tissues have been studied. Three subsequent characteristic periods can be described.2. Readmission of 5·9 mM-K after complete depletion results in a rapid extrusion of Na and uptake of K, and in a rapid hyperpolarization of the cells. Initially the time course of the K equilibrium potential and the membrane potential are similar except in propionate solution. This initial period is characterized by a high membrane conductance. No change of membrane potential occurs if 10-5 M ouabain is present.3. After 5-7 min the membrane potential becomes more negative than the K equilibrium potential. The difference between both values is larger in solutions containing propionate or in hypertonic solutions. This second phase of the recovery period is characterized by a progressive decrease of the membrane conductance.4. In a third phase both the membrane potential and the membrane resistance return to their steady-state value.5. If the external K concentration in the recovery solution is increased, the maximal hyperpolarization is less and has a shorter duration. A decrease of the temperature of the recovery solution results in a slower initial rate of repolarization and in a decrease of the maximal value of the hyperpolarization.6. These observations demonstrate the existence of an electrogenic sodium pump in smooth muscle cells during stimulation of the Na pump. An analysis of the experimental data obtained under steady-state conditions in normal Krebs solution suggests that also under these conditions an electrogenic Na pump might take part in the maintenance of the resting potential.
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