Methodological aspects of ion transport research in cells using sodium substitution with meglumine - a review

作者：Stakisaitis Donatas^*; Staneviciute Jurate; Jankunas Rimas; Jasaitis Darius; Didziapetriene Janina

来源：Trace Elements and Electrolytes, 2015, 32(4): 192-196.

DOI：10.5414/TEX01387

• meglumine
• Na-free buffers
• Na-dependent ion transport

A monovalent meglumine (N-methyl-D-glucamine; NMDG) cation has been, and is now, widely used as a substitute for a sodium cation (Na+) in Na-free buffers. The substitution of extracellular Na+ with NMDG in buffers is recognized as a method of the investigation and characterization of Na-dependent Cl-/HCO3-, Na+/H+ exchangers and other ion transport mechanisms in cells. NMDG is a compound of an alkaline nature. However, alkaline and isotonic properties of NMDG as well as its possible role in ion transport are disregarded by investigators. This paper deals with effects of NMDG on the pH, isotonicity, and osmolarity of the Na+ and chloride (Cl-)-free buffer solutions. Literature data on NMDG use as a Na+ substitute for the investigation of ion transport across cell membrane is also discussed. The paper analyzes an example of the buffer where NaCl was substituted by NMDG, revises some methodological approaches used for investigating Na-related ion transport mechanisms and stresses that some of NMDG properties may not serve the purpose of studying ion transport in cells.

• 出版日期2015