Uncoupling of a Nerve Cell Membrane Junction by Calcium-Ion Removal

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Abstract
Calcium ion participates in maintaining electrical connections between the nerve cells of Retzius ( Hirudo medicinalis ). The conductance across the junction between these cells decreases with decreasing concentration of free, extracellular Ca ++ . At a certain level of Ca ++ withdrawal from the cell system, junctional conductance reaches a critical low point at which the cells become functionally disconnected: the nerve impulses which are normally discharged in synchrony by the cells become asynchronous. These effects of Ca ++ on junctional connection are irreversible, in contrast to those on nonjunctional surface membrane permeability.

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