Oscillation of electrical potential in a porous-membrane doped with triolein induced by an Na+/K+ concentration gradient.
The electrical potential across a fine pore membrane doped with trioleoyl glyceride (triolein) and separating aqueous solutions of 0.5M NaCl and 0.5M KCl, respectively, was studied. It was found that this system showed rhythmic and sustained oscillations of electrical potential between the two aqueous solutions. These oscillations were attributed to the change of permeability of Na+ and K+ ions across the membrane, which originated from the phase-transition of triolein molecules within the fine pores.
D008433:Mathematics; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000187:drug effects*; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D010539:Permeability; D011188:Potassium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012964:Sodium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014304:Triolein / Q000494:pharmacology*
D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D014304:Triolein; D012964:Sodium; D011188:Potassium