A simple modification of the Hodgkin and Huxley equations explains type 3 excitability in squid giant axons.
The Hodgkin and Huxley (HH) model predicts sustained repetitive firing of nerve action potentials for a suprathreshold depolarizing current pulse for as long as the pulse is applied (type 2 excitability). Squid giant axons, the preparation for which the model was intended, fire only once at the beginning of the pulse (type 3 behaviour). This discrepancy between the theory and experiments can be removed by modifying a single parameter in the HH equations for the K+ current as determined from the analysis in this paper. K+ currents in general have been described by IK=gK(V-EK), where gK is the membrane's K+ current conductance and EK is the K+ Nernst potential. However, IK has a nonlinear dependence on (V-EK) well described by the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation that determines the voltage dependence of gK. This experimental finding is the basis for the modification in the HH equations describing type 3 behaviour. Our analysis may have broad significance given the use of IK=gK(V-EK) to describe K+ currents in a wide variety of biological preparations.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Twinbrook Building, Rm TN-41, 5625 Fishers Lane, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. jrclay@ninds.nih.gov
John R
JR
Clay
David
D
Paydarfar
Daniel B
DB
Forger
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology*; D049832:Decapodiformes / Q000502:physiology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D008954:Models, Biological; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism
D011188:Potassium