ACTION OF ETHER ON FROG SKELETAL MUSCLE

Abstract

The mechanisms for the excitability changes produced by ether on the electrical activity of frog skeletal muscle were investigated by intracellular microelectrode techniques. Low concentrations of ether (less than 1%) increased excitability by increasing the 'effective resistance' between the inside and the outside of the fiber at the point of stimulation, thereby reducing the current needed to initiate an action potential. Higher concentrations decreased excitability by inhibiting the specific increase in sodium conductance which normally follows an adequate stimulus and is responsible for the rising phase of the action potential.