Effects of ionic concentration on sodium permeability properties of myelinated nerve fibres of Xenopus laevis.

1. The nodal currents of single myelinated nerve fibres were recorded under potential clamp conditions, and the effect of [Ca], [Na] and [K] in the external solution on some of the Na permeability properties were analysed. 2. [Ca], [Na] and [K] all affected the position of the steady-state Na inactivation (h) curve on the potential axis. The curve was displaced in positive direction by high ionic concentration. 3. The shift associated to different [Ca] was largest in low [Na] and [K]. Similarly the shift associated to different [Na] and [K] was largest in low [Ca]. 4. The maximum peak sodium permeability (max. peak - PNa) was affected by the [Ca], [Na] and [K]. It was greater in (i) low [Ca], (ii) high ([Na] + [K]) and (iii) high [Na]:[K] ratio. 5. The effect of [Ca] on peak - Na was mainly a consequence of a change in PNa (which is the value of PNa if activation were complete, m = 1, and inactivation fully removed, h = 1).