model for extracellular sodium regulation in the central nervous system of an insect (Periplaneta americana)

• Published in: Journal of experimental biology Vol. 77; no. 1; pp. 251 - 254
• Main Authors: Treherne, J.E, Schofield, P.K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-12-1978
• Subjects: arthropods; entomology; insects
• ISSN: 0022-0949; 1477-9145
• DOI: 10.1242/jeb.77.1.251

ABSTRACT
The ionic composition of the immediate fluid environment of insect nerve cells is regulated so as to maintain concentrations which may differ considerably from those of the blood. The regulation of the extracellular sodium in the cockroach central nervous system has been suggested to result from a glial-mediated transport of this cation (cf. Treherne, 1974). We here propose a model system for sodium regulation, incorporating such transport, that accounts for the salient experimental observations (Fig. 1).