Electro-Optic Spectroscopy and Chemical Modification of Nerve Axon Membranes.

摘要

The electrophysiological characteristics of ion-permeability control in excitable membranes were investigated using chemical modifications of lobster nerves as the test system. The resulting changes in their optical retardation characteristics were examined. A brief description is included of excitable membranes,and nerve and artificial membrane models are discussed in some detail. A review of the electrophysiological and spectroscopical experiments on nerves,and the technique of electro-optic spectrocopy are included. Data are presented showing the effects of treating the axon with different cation compositions (variation of potassium,calcium and pH),protein reagents,phospholipid modifiers,cholinergic compounds,local anesthetics,barbiturates,and ATPase modifiers. The results are discussed with respect to the various mechanisms that can be postulated to explain the changes in the optical retardation properties of the nerves. (ERA citation 02:023366)