CATION UPTAKE BY INTACT NUCLEI FROM RAT CEREBRAL CORTEX

A method is described for determining the uptake of cations by intact nuclei from rat cerebral cortex. The divalent cations of magnesium, manganese and calcium were found to be concentrated in the nuclear pellet to levels well above the initial concentration of the medium, whereas little uptake of either potassium or sodium was observed. The binding of divalent cations to the nuclei will produce a cationic environment quite different from that of the external medium. Such localized differences may play a role in the control of nuclear activities.