Abstract
The effect of ultraviolet radiation on the asymmetrical displacement currents in the membrane of the node of Ranvier was measured and compared with the ultraviolet blocking of the sodium current. Ultraviolet radiation irreversibly reduced the peak sodium current and the charge displaced during a depolarizing test pulse, the relative reduction being independent of potential. The ratio of the ultraviolet sensitivities of the sodium and the asymmetrical displacement currents is 2.3±0.2. This result suggests two independent identical gating particles per sodium channel in the membrane of myelinated nerve.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 143-145 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Pflügers Archiv European Journal of Physiology |
Volume | 364 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 1976 |
Keywords
- Gating currents
- Nerve membrane
- Node of Ranvier
- Sodium channel
- Ultraviolet radiation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology