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http://hdl.handle.net/11375/9178
Title: | Movement of K⁺ across the Blood-Brain Barrier of the American Cockroach, Periplaneta americana |
Authors: | Kocmarek, Andrea L. |
Advisor: | O`Donnell, Michael J. |
Department: | Biology |
Keywords: | Biology;Biology |
Publication Date: | Sep-2009 |
Abstract: | <p>Several previous studies of the blood brain barrier (BBB) of the American cockroach, <em>Periplaneta americana</em>, have shown that it is involved in the regulation of K<sup>+</sup> and Na<sup>+</sup> flux across the ventral nerve cord (VNC). Na<sup>+</sup> flux is regulated in part by a Na<sup>+</sup>/K<sup>+</sup>-ATPase but few mechanisms involved in the regulation of K<sup>+</sup> flux have been identified. Using the scanning ion-selective electrode technique (SIET) K<sup>+</sup> flux across the VNC can be measured. This technique was used to determine whether K<sup>+</sup> flux is actively regulated and whether the BBB is involved in the regulation of K<sup>+</sup> flux. An uptake of K<sup>+</sup> is seen at the connectives and an efflux is seen at the ganglion under some conditions indicating cycling of K<sup>+</sup> from the ganglion to the connective may be occurring. A Na<sup>+</sup>/K<sup>+</sup>-ATPase appears to contribute to an influx of K<sup>+</sup> at the ganglion but not the connective. It is postulated that a K<sup>+</sup>/H<sup>+</sup>-exchanger is involved in maintaining K<sup>+ </sup>levels at the ganglion. The presence of K<sup>+</sup>-channels (possibly Ca<sup>2+</sup>-gated) was detected at both the ganglion and the connective, although it appears that K<sup>+</sup>-channels play a greater role in regulating K<sup>+</sup> flux at the connective. These results provide insights into the basic mechanisms regulating ion flux across the cockroach VNC.</p> |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/11375/9178 |
Identifier: | opendissertations/4324 5342 2039760 |
Appears in Collections: | Open Access Dissertations and Theses |
Files in This Item:
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fulltext.pdf | 30.22 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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