Temperature and charge transfer in a receptor membrane

Science. 1960 Dec 16;132(3442):1841-2. doi: 10.1126/science.132.3442.1841.

Abstract

The rate of rise and the amplitude of a mechanically elicited generator potential in a receptor membrane (Pacinian corpuscle) increases markedly with temperature. By contrast, the amplitude of the action potential of the Ranvier node adjacent to the receptor membrane remains practically unchanged over a wide range of temperature. The activation energy of the rate-limiting process in excitation of the receptor membrane is high; it indicates the existence of a high potential energy barrier for charge transfer.

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials*
  • Fees and Charges*
  • Nerve Endings / physiology*
  • Pacinian Corpuscles*
  • Ranvier's Nodes*
  • Temperature*