Effect of magnesium on sodium transport in toad urinary bladder

Voltage-clamp techniques were employed to examine the effect of magnesium (Mg) on sodium transport in the isolated urinary bladder of the Dominican toad. Substitution of 1 mM Mg had no effect, but 3-mM Mg substitution resulted in a reversible increase in short-circuit current (27%) and potential difference (19%) and decrease in transepithelial resistance (14%); no greater effect was seen with 5- or 10-mM Mg substitution. The effect was produced by mucosal or mucosal and serosal Mg substitution; serosal Mg substitution was without effect. Analysis of electrical parameters disclosed that magnesium increased net sodium transport via an effect on the sodium pump.