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The measurement of K +e concentration changes in human muscles during volitional contractions

  • Excitable Tissues and Central Nervous Physiology
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Abstract

Changes of extracellular potassium concentration ([K+]e) were measured in human muscles during volitional isometric contractions using liquid ion-exchanger electrodes. In principle, an intramuscular injection needle containing a microelectrode with a side-pore was inserted into the brachioradialis muscle. After insertion of the needle, the glass ion-selective microelectrode (ISM) could be moved out of the protective trocar shield into the muscle tissue. The average values of [K+]e in human muscles during maximal effort rose from 4.5 mmol/l K+ to 9.5 mmol/l K+. These values correspond closely to those previously found in muscles of experimental animals.

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Vyskočil, F., Hník, P., Rehfeldt, H. et al. The measurement of K +e concentration changes in human muscles during volitional contractions. Pflugers Arch. 399, 235–237 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00656721

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00656721

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