An ATP-dependent Na+/Mg2+ countertransport is the only mechanism for Mg extrusion in squid axons.

The components of magnesium efflux in squid axons have been studied under internal dialysis and voltage clamp conditions. The present report rules out the existence of an ATP-dependent, Nao- and Mgo-independent Mg2+ efflux (ATP-dependent Mg2+ pump) leaving the Mg2+-Na+ exchange system as the only mechanism for Mg2+ extrusion. The main features of the Mg2+ efflux are: (1) The efflux is completely dependent on ATP. (2) The efflux can be activated either by external Na+ (forward Mg2+-Na+ exchange) or external Mg2+ (Mg2+-Mg2+ exchange). (3) The mobility of the Mg2+ exchanger in the Na+o-loaded form is greater than that in the Mg2+-loaded one. (4) In variance with the Na+-Ca2+ exchange mechanism, Mg2+-Mg2+ exchange is not activated by external monovalent cations. (5) ATP gamma S replaces ATP in activating Mg2+-Na+ exchange suggesting that a phosphorylation/dephosphorylation process regulates this transport mechanism.