Page last updated: 2024-10-24

stabilization of membrane potential

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The accomplishment of a non-fluctuating membrane potential, the electric potential existing across any membrane arising from charges in the membrane itself and from the charges present in the media on either side of the membrane. [GOC:jl, ISBN:0198506732]

The stabilization of membrane potential is a crucial process that ensures the proper functioning of excitable cells, such as neurons and muscle cells. It involves maintaining a stable electrical gradient across the cell membrane, which is essential for transmitting signals and controlling cellular activities. Here's a detailed description of the biological processes involved:

**1. Resting Membrane Potential:**

* The cell membrane is selectively permeable, allowing some ions to pass through more easily than others.
* The resting membrane potential is established by the unequal distribution of ions across the membrane, primarily sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and chloride (Cl-) ions.
* The inside of the cell is typically more negative than the outside due to the higher concentration of negatively charged proteins and the selective permeability of the membrane, which favors K+ efflux over Na+ influx.

**2. Ion Channels and Pumps:**

* **Sodium-Potassium Pump:** This active transport protein continuously pumps 3 Na+ ions out of the cell for every 2 K+ ions pumped in. This process requires ATP and maintains the concentration gradients of Na+ and K+.
* **Leak Channels:** These channels allow small amounts of Na+ and K+ to passively move across the membrane, following their concentration gradients. This contributes to the resting potential.
* **Voltage-Gated Channels:** These channels open or close in response to changes in membrane potential. They play a key role in propagating action potentials.

**3. Depolarization:**

* When a stimulus triggers the opening of voltage-gated Na+ channels, Na+ ions rush into the cell, making the inside more positive. This process is called depolarization.
* If the depolarization reaches a threshold level, it triggers an action potential.

**4. Action Potential:**

* An action potential is a rapid, brief change in membrane potential that travels along the neuron or muscle fiber.
* During an action potential, Na+ channels open rapidly, leading to a rapid influx of Na+ ions. This causes the membrane potential to become positive (depolarization).
* As the membrane potential peaks, Na+ channels begin to close, and voltage-gated K+ channels open, allowing K+ ions to flow out of the cell. This repolarizes the membrane potential.

**5. Repolarization and Hyperpolarization:**

* K+ efflux continues after the peak of the action potential, making the membrane potential more negative than the resting potential. This is called hyperpolarization.
* The sodium-potassium pump then works to restore the original ion gradients, returning the membrane potential to its resting state.

**6. Refractory Period:**

* After an action potential, the membrane enters a refractory period where it is less excitable. This ensures that action potentials only travel in one direction and prevents them from firing too frequently.

**7. Role of Myelin:**

* Myelin is a fatty substance that insulates axons, increasing the speed of action potential propagation. It does this by reducing the leakage of ions across the membrane.

**8. Synaptic Transmission:**

* When an action potential reaches the end of a neuron, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters.
* These neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic cell, which can trigger either excitatory or inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs or IPSPs).
* EPSPs make the postsynaptic cell more likely to fire an action potential, while IPSPs make it less likely.

The stabilization of membrane potential is a complex but critical process that enables cells to communicate and function effectively. It involves the interplay of ion channels, pumps, and various other cellular mechanisms that work together to maintain the delicate electrical balance across the cell membrane.'
"

Proteins (8)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Potassium channel subfamily K member 3A potassium channel subfamily K member 3 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:WCB, UniProtKB:O14649]Homo sapiens (human)
Potassium channel subfamily K member 2A potassium channel subfamily K member 2 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:WCB, UniProtKB:O95069]Homo sapiens (human)
Potassium channel subfamily K member 10A potassium channel subfamily K member 10 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:WCB, UniProtKB:P57789]Homo sapiens (human)
Potassium channel subfamily K member 17A potassium channel subfamily K member 17 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:WCB, UniProtKB:Q96T54]Homo sapiens (human)
Potassium channel subfamily K member 18A potassium channel subfamily K member 18 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q7Z418]Homo sapiens (human)
Potassium channel subfamily K member 5A potassium channel subfamily K member 5 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:WCB, UniProtKB:O95279]Homo sapiens (human)
Potassium channel subfamily K member 9A potassium channel subfamily K member 9 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:WCB, UniProtKB:Q9NPC2]Homo sapiens (human)
Intermediate conductance calcium-activated potassium channel protein 4An intermediate conductance calcium-activated potassium channel protein 4 that is encoded in the genome of human. []Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (53)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
octoclothepineoctoclothepine: major tranquilizer with action similar to those of the phenothiazines; used in schizophrenic & manic psychoses; minor decriptor (77-86); on-line & INDEX MEDICUS search DIBENZOTHIEPINS (77-86); RN given refers to parent cpd without isomeric designationdibenzothiepine
4-aminopyridineaminopyridine;
aromatic amine
avicide;
orphan drug;
potassium channel blocker
theophyllinedimethylxanthineadenosine receptor antagonist;
anti-asthmatic drug;
anti-inflammatory agent;
bronchodilator agent;
drug metabolite;
EC 3.1.4.* (phosphoric diester hydrolase) inhibitor;
fungal metabolite;
human blood serum metabolite;
immunomodulator;
muscle relaxant;
vasodilator agent
amlodipineamlodipine : A fully substituted dialkyl 1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate derivative, which is used for the treatment of hypertension, chronic stable angina and confirmed or suspected vasospastic angina.

Amlodipine: A long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. It is effective in the treatment of ANGINA PECTORIS and HYPERTENSION.
dihydropyridine;
ethyl ester;
methyl ester;
monochlorobenzenes;
primary amino compound
antihypertensive agent;
calcium channel blocker;
vasodilator agent
bupivacaine1-butyl-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)piperidine-2-carboxamide : A piperidinecarboxamide obtained by formal condensation of the carboxy group of N-butylpipecolic acid with the amino group of 2,6-dimethylaniline.

bupivacaine : A racemate composed of equimolar amounts of dextrobupivacaine and levobupivacaine. Used (in the form of its hydrochloride hydrate) as a local anaesthetic.

Bupivacaine: A widely used local anesthetic agent.
aromatic amide;
piperidinecarboxamide;
tertiary amino compound
caffeinepurine alkaloid;
trimethylxanthine
adenosine A2A receptor antagonist;
adenosine receptor antagonist;
adjuvant;
central nervous system stimulant;
diuretic;
EC 2.7.11.1 (non-specific serine/threonine protein kinase) inhibitor;
EC 3.1.4.* (phosphoric diester hydrolase) inhibitor;
environmental contaminant;
food additive;
fungal metabolite;
geroprotector;
human blood serum metabolite;
mouse metabolite;
mutagen;
plant metabolite;
psychotropic drug;
ryanodine receptor agonist;
xenobiotic
carvedilolcarbazoles;
secondary alcohol;
secondary amino compound
alpha-adrenergic antagonist;
antihypertensive agent;
beta-adrenergic antagonist;
cardiovascular drug;
vasodilator agent
chlorpromazinechlorpromazine : A substituted phenothiazine in which the ring nitrogen at position 10 is attached to C-3 of an N,N-dimethylpropanamine moiety.

Chlorpromazine: The prototypical phenothiazine antipsychotic drug. Like the other drugs in this class chlorpromazine's antipsychotic actions are thought to be due to long-term adaptation by the brain to blocking DOPAMINE RECEPTORS. Chlorpromazine has several other actions and therapeutic uses, including as an antiemetic and in the treatment of intractable hiccup.
organochlorine compound;
phenothiazines;
tertiary amine
anticoronaviral agent;
antiemetic;
dopaminergic antagonist;
EC 3.4.21.26 (prolyl oligopeptidase) inhibitor;
phenothiazine antipsychotic drug
clotrimazoleconazole antifungal drug;
imidazole antifungal drug;
imidazoles;
monochlorobenzenes
antiinfective agent;
environmental contaminant;
xenobiotic
flufenamic acidflufenamic acid : An aromatic amino acid consisting of anthranilic acid carrying an N-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl substituent. An analgesic and anti-inflammatory, it is used in rheumatic disorders.

Flufenamic Acid: An anthranilic acid derivative with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. It is used in musculoskeletal and joint disorders and administered by mouth and topically. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p16)
aromatic amino acid;
organofluorine compound
antipyretic;
EC 1.14.99.1 (prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase) inhibitor;
non-narcotic analgesic;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
fluphenazineN-alkylpiperazine;
organofluorine compound;
phenothiazines
anticoronaviral agent;
dopaminergic antagonist;
phenothiazine antipsychotic drug
fluoxetinefluoxetine : A racemate comprising equimolar amounts of (R)- and (S)-fluoxetine. A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), it is used (generally as the hydrochloride salt) for the treatment of depression (and the depressive phase of bipolar disorder), bullimia nervosa, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Fluoxetine: The first highly specific serotonin uptake inhibitor. It is used as an antidepressant and often has a more acceptable side-effects profile than traditional antidepressants.

N-methyl-3-phenyl-3-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propan-1-amine : An aromatic ether consisting of 4-trifluoromethylphenol in which the hydrogen of the phenolic hydroxy group is replaced by a 3-(methylamino)-1-phenylpropyl group.
(trifluoromethyl)benzenes;
aromatic ether;
secondary amino compound
fluspirileneFluspirilene: A long-acting injectable antipsychotic agent used for chronic schizophrenia.diarylmethane
glyburideglyburide : An N-sulfonylurea that is acetohexamide in which the acetyl group is replaced by a 2-(5-chloro-2-methoxybenzamido)ethyl group.

Glyburide: An antidiabetic sulfonylurea derivative with actions like those of chlorpropamide
monochlorobenzenes;
N-sulfonylurea
anti-arrhythmia drug;
EC 2.7.1.33 (pantothenate kinase) inhibitor;
EC 3.6.3.49 (channel-conductance-controlling ATPase) inhibitor;
hypoglycemic agent
haloperidolhaloperidol : A compound composed of a central piperidine structure with hydroxy and p-chlorophenyl substituents at position 4 and an N-linked p-fluorobutyrophenone moiety.

Haloperidol: A phenyl-piperidinyl-butyrophenone that is used primarily to treat SCHIZOPHRENIA and other PSYCHOSES. It is also used in schizoaffective disorder, DELUSIONAL DISORDERS, ballism, and TOURETTE SYNDROME (a drug of choice) and occasionally as adjunctive therapy in INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY and the chorea of HUNTINGTON DISEASE. It is a potent antiemetic and is used in the treatment of intractable HICCUPS. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1994, p279)
aromatic ketone;
hydroxypiperidine;
monochlorobenzenes;
organofluorine compound;
tertiary alcohol
antidyskinesia agent;
antiemetic;
dopaminergic antagonist;
first generation antipsychotic;
serotonergic antagonist
lidocainelidocaine : The monocarboxylic acid amide resulting from the formal condensation of N,N-diethylglycine with 2,6-dimethylaniline.

Lidocaine: A local anesthetic and cardiac depressant used as an antiarrhythmia agent. Its actions are more intense and its effects more prolonged than those of PROCAINE but its duration of action is shorter than that of BUPIVACAINE or PRILOCAINE.
benzenes;
monocarboxylic acid amide;
tertiary amino compound
anti-arrhythmia drug;
drug allergen;
environmental contaminant;
local anaesthetic;
xenobiotic
loratadineloratadine : A benzocycloheptapyridine that is 6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[5,6]cyclohepta[1,2-b]pyridine substituted by a chloro group at position 8 and a 1-(ethoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-ylidene group at position 11. It is a H1-receptor antagonist commonly employed in the treatment of allergic disorders.

Loratadine: A second-generation histamine H1 receptor antagonist used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and urticaria. Unlike most classical antihistamines (HISTAMINE H1 ANTAGONISTS) it lacks central nervous system depressing effects such as drowsiness.
benzocycloheptapyridine;
ethyl ester;
N-acylpiperidine;
organochlorine compound;
tertiary carboxamide
anti-allergic agent;
cholinergic antagonist;
geroprotector;
H1-receptor antagonist
loxapineLoxapine: An antipsychotic agent used in SCHIZOPHRENIA.dibenzooxazepineantipsychotic agent;
dopaminergic antagonist
mepivacainemepivacaine : A piperidinecarboxamide in which N-methylpipecolic acid and 2,6-dimethylaniline have combined to form the amide bond. It is used as a local amide-type anaesthetic.

Mepivacaine: A local anesthetic that is chemically related to BUPIVACAINE but pharmacologically related to LIDOCAINE. It is indicated for infiltration, nerve block, and epidural anesthesia. Mepivacaine is effective topically only in large doses and therefore should not be used by this route. (From AMA Drug Evaluations, 1994, p168)
piperidinecarboxamidedrug allergen;
local anaesthetic
mexiletinemexiletine : An aromatic ether which is 2,6-dimethylphenyl ether of 2-aminopropan-1-ol.

Mexiletine: Antiarrhythmic agent pharmacologically similar to LIDOCAINE. It may have some anticonvulsant properties.
aromatic ether;
primary amino compound
anti-arrhythmia drug
nifedipineNifedipine: A potent vasodilator agent with calcium antagonistic action. It is a useful anti-anginal agent that also lowers blood pressure.C-nitro compound;
dihydropyridine;
methyl ester
calcium channel blocker;
human metabolite;
tocolytic agent;
vasodilator agent
norfluoxetinenorfluoxetine: metabolite of fluoxetine; RN given refers to parent cpd without isomeric designation(trifluoromethyl)benzenes
propafenonepropafenone : An aromatic ketone that is 3-(propylamino)propane-1,2-diol in which the hydrogen of the primary hydroxy group is replaced by a 2-(3-phenylpropanoyl)phenyl group. It is a class 1C antiarrhythmic drug with local anesthetic effects, and is used as the hydrochloride salt in the management of supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias.

Propafenone: An antiarrhythmia agent that is particularly effective in ventricular arrhythmias. It also has weak beta-blocking activity.
aromatic ketone;
secondary alcohol;
secondary amino compound
anti-arrhythmia drug
riluzoleRiluzole: A glutamate antagonist (RECEPTORS, GLUTAMATE) used as an anticonvulsant (ANTICONVULSANTS) and to prolong the survival of patients with AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS.benzothiazoles
tetracainetetracaine : A benzoate ester in which 4-N-butylbenzoic acid and 2-(dimethylamino)ethanol have combined to form the ester bond; a local ester anaesthetic (ester caine) used for surface and spinal anaesthesia.

Tetracaine: A potent local anesthetic of the ester type used for surface and spinal anesthesia.
benzoate ester;
tertiary amino compound
local anaesthetic
tolbutamidetolbutamide : An N-sulfonylurea that consists of 1-butylurea having a tosyl group attached at the 3-position.

Tolbutamide: A sulphonylurea hypoglycemic agent with actions and uses similar to those of CHLORPROPAMIDE. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p290)
N-sulfonylureahuman metabolite;
hypoglycemic agent;
insulin secretagogue;
potassium channel blocker
pimozidepimozide : A member of the class of benzimidazoles that is 1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one in which one of the nitrogens is substituted by a piperidin-4-yl group, which in turn is substituted on the nitrogen by a 4,4-bis(p-fluorophenyl)butyl group.

Pimozide: A diphenylbutylpiperidine that is effective as an antipsychotic agent and as an alternative to HALOPERIDOL for the suppression of vocal and motor tics in patients with Tourette syndrome. Although the precise mechanism of action is unknown, blockade of postsynaptic dopamine receptors has been postulated. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1994, p403)
benzimidazoles;
heteroarylpiperidine;
organofluorine compound
antidyskinesia agent;
dopaminergic antagonist;
first generation antipsychotic;
H1-receptor antagonist;
serotonergic antagonist
penfluridolPenfluridol: One of the long-acting ANTIPSYCHOTIC AGENTS used for maintenance or long-term therapy of SCHIZOPHRENIA and other PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS.diarylmethane
etidocaineetidocaine : An amino acid amide in which 2-[ethyl(propyl)amino]butanoic acid and 2,6-dimethylaniline have combined to form the amide bond. Used as a local anaesthetic (amide caine), it has rapid onset and long action properties, similar to bupivacaine, and is given by injection during surgical procedures and during labour and delivery.

Etidocaine: A local anesthetic with rapid onset and long action, similar to BUPIVACAINE.
amino acid amidelocal anaesthetic
haloperidol decanoateorganic molecular entity
niguldipinediarylmethane
mibefradil dihydrochloride
mibefradilMibefradil: A benzimidazoyl-substituted tetraline that selectively binds and inhibits CALCIUM CHANNELS, T-TYPE.tetralinsT-type calcium channel blocker
sipatriginesipatrigine: a glutamate release inhibitor which protects against focal cerebral ischemic damagepyrimidines
mevastatinmevastatin : A carboxylic ester that is pravastatin that is lacking the allylic hydroxy group. A hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) isolated from Penicillium citrinum and from Penicillium brevicompactum, its clinical use as a lipid-regulating drug ceased following reports of toxicity in animals.

mevastatin: antifungal metabolite from Penicillium brevicopactum; potent inhibitory activity to sterol synthesis; structure
2-pyranones;
carboxylic ester;
hexahydronaphthalenes;
polyketide;
statin (naturally occurring)
antifungal agent;
apoptosis inducer;
EC 3.4.24.83 (anthrax lethal factor endopeptidase) inhibitor;
fungal metabolite;
Penicillium metabolite
triphenylacetic acid
opromazineopromazine: RN given refers to parent cpd; structure in 9th ed, Merck Index, #6697phenothiazines
ropivacaine(S)-ropivacaine : A piperidinecarboxamide-based amide-type local anaesthetic (amide caine) in which (S)-N-propylpipecolic acid and 2,6-dimethylaniline are combined to form the amide bond.

ropivacaine : The piperidinecarboxamide obtained by the formal condensation of N-propylpipecolic acid and 2,6-dimethylaniline.

Ropivacaine: An anilide used as a long-acting local anesthetic. It has a differential blocking effect on sensory and motor neurons.
piperidinecarboxamide;
ropivacaine
local anaesthetic
senicapocsenicapoc: a Gardos channel blocker; structure in first source
(2'-(benzyloxycarbonylaminomethyl)biphenyl-2-carboxylic acid 2-(2-pyridyl)ethylamide)biphenyls
tram 34TRAM 34: inhibits IKCa1; structure in first sourceorganochlorine compound
flunarizineFlunarizine: Flunarizine is a selective calcium entry blocker with calmodulin binding properties and histamine H1 blocking activity. It is effective in the prophylaxis of migraine, occlusive peripheral vascular disease, vertigo of central and peripheral origin, and as an adjuvant in the therapy of epilepsy.diarylmethane
fluoxetine(S)-fluoxetine : An N-methyl-3-phenyl-3-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propan-1-amine that has S configuration. [The antidepressant drug fluoxetine is a racemate comprising equimolar amounts of (R)- and (S)-fluoxetine].N-methyl-3-phenyl-3-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propan-1-amineantidepressant;
serotonin uptake inhibitor
quininecinchona alkaloidantimalarial;
muscle relaxant;
non-narcotic analgesic
flupenthixolcis-flupenthixol : A flupenthixol in which the double bond adopts a cis-configuration.flupenthixoldopaminergic antagonist
anandamideanandamide : An N-acylethanolamine 20:4 resulting from the formal condensation of carboxy group of arachidonic acid with the amino group of ethanolamine.endocannabinoid;
N-acylethanolamine 20:4
human blood serum metabolite;
neurotransmitter;
vasodilator agent
7,10,13,16-docosatetraenylethanolamide7,10,13,16-docosatetraenylethanolamide: found in brain; binds to the cannabinoid receptor; structure given in first source; RN given refers to (ALL-Z)-isomerN-acylethanolamine 22:4
am-356methanandamide: structure given in first source; RN given refers to (all-Z)-(+-)-isomerfatty amide
2-(4-amylcinnamoyl)amino-4-chlorobenzoic acid2-(4-amylcinnamoyl)amino-4-chlorobenzoic acid: phospholipase A2 inhibitor
gw2974GW2974: quinazoline derivative, which is able to block the activation of both the EGFR and erbB2pyridopyrimidine
ave 0118
a 1899A 1899: a TASK-1 potassium channel blocker; structure in first source
octoclothepine maleate