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Imidazole inhibits a temperature-dependent component of mammalian skeletal muscle action potential

Nature volume 283, pages 485–486 (1980)Cite this article

Abstract

Temperature-dependent transition of conductance in ionic channels has been described in several membrane systems1–3. We report here an abrupt change in the maximal rate of rise of the action potentials of the rat extensor digitorum longus (EDL) at 32 °C, indicating alteration in the functional characteristics of the sodium channels. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) and imidazole were used to investigate further the change in properties of the sodium channels with respect to temperature. TTX is known for its specificity in blocking sodium channels4. It has been proposed that the guanidinium group of the TTX molecule is essential for its activity. Other guanidinium compounds have also been shown to be effective in blocking the sodium channels5. In this study, imidazole, a compound structurally similar to guanidine, was also tested. We find that TTX and imidazole affect the maximal rate of rise of the action potential in a temperature-dependent manner.

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Author notes

  1. D. W. Cheung

    Present address: Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8S 4J9

    D. W. Cheung & E. E. Daniel

Authors
  1. D. W. Cheung
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  2. E. E. Daniel
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Cheung, D., Daniel, E. Imidazole inhibits a temperature-dependent component of mammalian skeletal muscle action potential. Nature 283, 485–486 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1038/283485a0

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