Ion-selective electrode studies on the effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine on the intracellular level of potassium in an insect salivary gland.

Potassium-sensitive microelectrodes were used to measure the intracellular level of potassium in Calliphora salivary glands. During stimulation with 1 X 10(-8) M 5-HT, the potassium concentration increased from a resting level of 133.2 to 139.0 mM. When the external concentration of potassium was reduced below 2mM there was a rapid loss of potassium which could be partially reversed by 5-HT. During 5-HT stimulation, the addition of ouabain had no effect on a number of parameters including the rate of fluid secretion, the ionic composition of the saliva and the intracellular level of potassium. The possibility that potassium enters the cells passively is discussed.