Can Hypo/Hypernatremic Conditions be a Factor for Na Ion Channel Kinetics: Model Study
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Published on: February 8, 2011
Murat Ayaz1, Hakan Karabagli, Sirma Basak Yanardag
1Selcuk University, School of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Konya, Turkey.
Aim:
Dysnatremic cases are frequently faced in clinical practice. Its macroscopic effects and consequences are well known, but microscopic effects are not well defined. The aim of this study was to reveal the effects of dysnatremia at the cellular level.
Material And Methods:
By using an action potential simulation, the effects of extracellular sodium (Na) concentration on the Na ion channel kinetics were studied. The experimental sets were chosen to mimic hypo/hypernatremic conditions and, in both cases, the degree of the severity was varied.
Results:
Hyponatremic situations through modifying the axonal Na+ channels kinetics result in the rundown of the sodium current (INa). The degree of the hyponatremia-dependent effect seen in the Na ion channel is severity dependent, which is more effective in the recovery phase of the ion channel. Hypernatremic conditions, on the other hand, have also affected the Na ion channel activity through modifying the kinetics of the channel. Unlike hyponatremia, the effect seen in hypernatremic conditions was through decreasing the response time of the channel. The degree of the significance of the effect seen on the Na ion channel in the case of the hypernatremia was found to be less destructive compared to the hyponatremic condition.
Conclusion:
The Na channels are susceptible to the changes of the extracellular Na concentrations. Thus, the underestimation of hypo/hypernatremic conditions can put patients in danger and close monitoring of serum Na level might be required.
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