The effects of neuraminidase and protamine chloride on potential clamp parameters of the node of Ranvier (Xenopus laevis).

The effects of neuraminidase and protamine chloride on the ionic currents associated with step changes in membrane potential were studied. Neuraminidase (a hydrolase which cleaves glycosidically bound sialic acid) had negligible effects on the permeability properties. The polycation protamine chloride decreased the sodium as well as the potassium currents. The sodium equilibrium potential decreased during the experiments which indicates a gain in internal sodium concentration. The analysis showed that the effects on the currents were caused by a decrease of the specific permeability changes. No shift along the potential axis of the potential dependent parameters was observed.