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A Possible Mechanism for the Negative Resistance characteristic of Axon Membranes

Nature New Biology volume 242, pages 209–210 (1973)Cite this article

Abstract

THE Hodgkin-Huxley1 equations provided a good general understanding of the propagation of information along nerve axons. This depended, however, on the assumption of certain electrical characteristics for the axon membrane, which have not yet been satisfactorily explained in terms of a physical model. Models involving the opening and closing of pores by single ions moving under the influence of the electrical potential across the membrane have proved inadequate2. Some form of cooperative behaviour within the membrane has been suggested3 but these suggestions have not led to a concrete physical mechanism. Here I propose a model which predicts the negative resistance which is the most important and characteristic quality of the axon membrane.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Physical Sciences, The New University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland

    R. H. TREDGOLD

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  1. R. H. TREDGOLD
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TREDGOLD, R. A Possible Mechanism for the Negative Resistance characteristic of Axon Membranes. Nature New Biology 242, 209–210 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1038/newbio242209a0

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