Epidermal laser stimulation of action potentials in the frog sciatic nerve.
Measurements of laser-stimulated action potentials in the sciatic nerve of leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) are made using two infrared lasers. The dorsal sides of the frog's hind limbs are exposed to short-pulsed 1540- and 1064-nm wavelengths at three separate spot sizes: 2, 3, and 4 mm. Energy density thresholds are determined for eliciting an action potential at each experimental condition. Results from these exposures show similar evoked potential thresholds for both wavelengths. The 2-mm-diam spot sizes yield action potentials at radiant exposure levels almost double that seen with larger beam sizes.
Jindra
Nichole M
NM
Air Force Research Laboratory, Brooks City-Base, Texas 78235, USA. nikki.jindra@yahoo.com
Goddard
Douglas
D
Imholte
Michelle
M
Thomas
Robert J
RJ
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D007834:Lasers; D008954:Models, Biological; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D011894:Rana pipiens / Q000502:physiology; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000502:physiology*; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena