Generation and Propagation of Impulses during Refractoriness in a Pacinian Corpuscle

Abstract

DEFORMATION of mechano-receptors gives rise to generator potentials which in turn eventually set up propagated potentials. In order to analyse generator potentials it is desirable to block the propagated potential. In the Pacinian corpuscle this may be done by the aid of drugs, by changing the ionic environment of the receptor¹ or, as here reported, by taking advantage of differences in duration of the refractory period of generator and propagated events. Generator potentials alone are obtained when the deformation of the receptor occurs during the refractory period of the propagated potential.