Diagram describing the sequence of events in excitation-induced redistribution of Na⁺, K⁺, and Cl⁻ in skeletal muscle with values for [K⁺]_o and [Cl⁻]_i induced by electrical stimulation for 300 s at 10 Hz and obtained in the present study. (a) Na⁺ influx inducing depolarization and increased [Na⁺]_i. (b) The depolarization activates K⁺ efflux, increasing [K⁺]_o from 4 to 42 mM. (c) The increases in [Na⁺]_i and [K⁺]_o activates the Na⁺,K⁺ pumps. (d) This is a major mechanism for the clearing of extracellular K⁺. (e) The increase in [K⁺]_o induces depolarization. (f) This is counterbalanced by the electrogenic action of the Na⁺,K⁺ pumps. (g) Elevated [K⁺]_o favors vasodilatation, improving the clearance of [K⁺]_o via the capillaries (Lo et al., 2004; Armstrong et al., 2007). (h) As the result of depolarization, Cl⁻ influx is promoted, inducing repolarization and increase in [Cl⁻]_i from 15 to 38 mM (data from Table 5). (i) As the result of this repolarization, K⁺ influx via inward rectifiers is increased. (j) This favors the clearance of [K⁺]_o.