Aluminium modifies the electrical response of neuroblastoma cells to a short hypertonic pulse

The effect of aluminium (50-100 micrograms/ml) on the electrical response of N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells to a short hypertonic pulse was examined using conventional electrophysiological techniques and computer assisted analysis. Application of a small dose of hypertonic solution in the vicinity of the cell evoked depolarization of the membrane potential and a biphasic change in input resistance: an initial increase followed by a profound decrease. Upon washout of the hypertonic stimulus, repolarization of membrane potential and complete recovery of the input resistance were observed. In the presence of aluminium application of hypertonic solution had a reversible effect which showed a prolonged duration of the response without a change in its amplitude. It is suggested that the retardation in recovery from hypertonically induced shock may be due to rigidification of the plasma membrane in the presence of aluminium. Possible implications to human diseases associated with accumulation of aluminium in brain tissue are discussed.