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Action Potentials

Action Potentials

Action Potential

Action Potential

Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...

Action Potential

Action Potential

Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...

Local Anesthetics: Differential Sensitivity of Nerve Fibers

Local Anesthetics: Differential Sensitivity of Nerve Fibers

Local anesthetics (LAs) block the sodium channels of nerve trunks, sensory nerve endings, and neuromuscular junctions. Although LAs can block all kinds of nerves, the sensitivity of nerve fibers differs according to nerve types and structures. LAs are known to block myelinated fibers faster than unmyelinated ones. Also, they block pain or sensory neurons at low concentrations without affecting the motor neurons involved in muscle contractions. This helps relieve labor pain without affecting the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Nerve Ultrasound Protocol to Detect Dysimmune Neuropathies

Nerve Ultrasound Protocol to Detect Dysimmune Neuropathies

Published on: October 7, 2021

Electrophysiology in demyelinating polyneuropathies.

¹Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neurosience, Department of Neurology, F02.230, Neuromuscular Research Group, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. h.franssen@umcutrecht.nl

Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics

|March 19, 2008

Summary

Demyelinating neuropathies affect the peripheral nervous system

Area of Science:

Neurology
Neuroscience
Peripheral Nervous System Disorders

Background:

Demyelinating neuropathies involve immune-mediated or genetic damage to the myelin sheath of peripheral nerves.
Demyelination causes conduction block or slowing in axons, impacting nerve function.
Distinguishing demyelinating from axonal polyneuropathies is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

To review diagnostic criteria for demyelinating neuropathies.
To highlight the importance of differentiating demyelinating from axonal polyneuropathies.
To discuss current and developing diagnostic approaches and future therapeutic targets.

Main Methods:

Review of established criteria for diagnosing demyelinating polyneuropathies based on motor nerve conduction studies.

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Discussion of limitations of current expert-opinion-based criteria, including low sensitivity.

Introduction of excitability testing as a method to assess axonal mechanisms.

Main Results:

Established criteria for motor conduction velocity slowing and conduction block aid in diagnosing demyelination.
Current diagnostic criteria based on expert opinion have limitations and may lead to underdiagnosis of treatable neuropathies.
Axon loss is a primary factor in clinical deficits, and its mechanisms are key targets for future prevention.

Conclusions:

Accurate diagnosis of demyelinating neuropathies is essential for effective treatment, particularly immunological therapies.
Development of evidence-based diagnostic criteria is needed to improve sensitivity and reduce underdiagnosis.
Further research into the mechanisms of axon loss may lead to pharmacological prevention strategies.