Ion transportation

Ion transportation refers to the transport of ions into or out of cells or cell compartments. Ion transportation plays key roles in the functioning of many different bodily systems, including the nervous system, the endocrine system, energy metabolism and the cardiovascular system. Important ions, sometimes called electrolytes, include calcium, potassium, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium.

Cell membranes are normally impermeable to ions.  Ion channels, ion pumps, and ion transporters are cell membrane proteins that allow and control ion transport into and out of cells, or between different compartments within cells. Ion channel diseases are caused by mutations in ion channel genes. Evidence of ion transportation dysfunction has been found in ME/CFS.

Ion transportation dysfunction can result in an incorrect balance of different ions, which in extreme cases may cause death.

Ions are introduced to the body from food, drinks (including trace amounts in water), and can also be taken as supplements. Supplements can be injected or taken by mouth.

Symptom Recognition

Symptoms resulting from ion transportation problems are part of the International Consensus Criteria.

Potential Treatments

Electrolytes are one of the suggestions for treating Energy Metabolism and Ion Transportation problems in general.

See also

• Channelopathy
• Transient receptor potential melastatin 3 (TRPM3)
• Hypokalemic periodic paralysis
• Electrolytes

Learn more

• Channelopathies (review) - Kim June-Bum.

• Periodic Paralysis - What clinicians should know

cell membrane A very thin membrane, composed of lipids and protein, that surrounds the cytoplasm of a cell and controls the passage of substances into and out of the cell.

cell membrane A very thin membrane, composed of lipids and protein, that surrounds the cytoplasm of a cell and controls the passage of substances into and out of the cell.