Conduction properties of single nerve fibers in developing rat spinal nerve roots

Brain Res. 1987 May 12;411(1):167-71. doi: 10.1016/0006-8993(87)90695-0.

Abstract

We have examined conduction properties and distribution of membrane currents in ventral spinal root axons of rats 12-47 days of age. Internodal length of the largest myelinated fibers increases at a steady 17-19 micron/day during this period as internodal conduction time decreases. Despite the rapid remodelling of fiber dimensions during the first few weeks of postnatal life, potassium channels are continually excluded from participation in action potential generation at the axon membrane of most nodes of Ranvier.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 4-Aminopyridine
  • Aminopyridines / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Evoked Potentials
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / drug effects
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / physiology*
  • Neural Conduction* / drug effects
  • Ranvier's Nodes / physiology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Spinal Nerve Roots / drug effects
  • Spinal Nerve Roots / growth & development*
  • Spinal Nerve Roots / physiology

Substances

  • Aminopyridines
  • 4-Aminopyridine