Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 25, 2025

Contribution of the Na+/K+ Pump to Rhythmic Bursting, Explored with Modeling and Dynamic Clamp Analyses
Published on: May 9, 2021
The NaVy paradox: reducing sodium currents increases excitability
1Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
Abstract:
Mutations that increase sodium currents in excitatory neurons typically produce hyperexcitability and epileptic seizures. Paradoxically, mutations that reduce NaV1.2 sodium currents also have a similar effect. Two research groups (Spratt et al. and Zhang et al.) have now found that in some excitatory neurons, loss of NaV1.2 increases intrinsic excitability by altering activation and/or expression of potassium channels.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Resting Membrane Potential
The Inside of a Neuron is More Negative
The membrane potential of a cell can be measured by inserting a microelectrode into a cell and comparing the charge to a reference electrode in the extracellular fluid. The...
The Resting Membrane Potential
Regulation of Sodium and Potassium
Sodium Regulation
Sodium ions make up approximately 90% of extracellular cations, with a normal blood plasma concentration of 136–148 mEq/L. A decrease in blood volume and pressure triggers the release of renin from granular cells in the juxtaglomerular complex (JGC), primarily...
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class I Agents as Sodium Channel Blockers
Class 1A Antiarrhythmic Drugs: These drugs work by moderately blocking sodium channels,...
Action Potentials
Action Potential
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...

![Camera-based Measurements of Intracellular [Na+] in Murine Atrial Myocytes](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F59600.jpg&w=3840&q=50)