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Science 7 January 1966:
Vol. 151. no. 3706, pp. 89 - 91
DOI: 10.1126/science.151.3706.89
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Articles

Uncoupling of an Epithelial Cell Membrane Junction by Calcium-Ion Removal

M. Nakas 1, S. Higashino 1, and W. R. Loewenstein 1

1 Physiology Department, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York

Calcium takes part in maintaining ion communication between salivary gland cells (Chironomus thummi). Its withdrawal from the cell systems results in virtual disconnection of ion communication, at Ca++ concentrations which do not noticeably affect cell adhesion. The junctional membrane surfaces. which are normally quite freely permeable to ions, become as impermeable as the nonjunctional membrane surfaces; each cell seals itself off irreversibly as a unit. In maintaining ion communication Mg++ substitutes for Ca++


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Uncoupling Cell Junctions in a Glandular Epithelium by Depolarizing Current.
S. J. Socolar and A. L. Politoff (1971)
Science 172, 492-494
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