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THE RATE OF TRANSMISSION IN THE NERVE NET OF THE COELENTERATES.

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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Preparation of Rat Sciatic Nerve for Ex Vivo Neurophysiology

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Published on: July 12, 2022

THE PRODUCTION OF CARBON DIOXIDE BY NERVE.

G H Parker¹

¹Zoological Laboratory, Harvard University, Cambridge.

The Journal of General Physiology

|October 30, 2009

Summary

Nerve tissue releases carbon dioxide (CO2) as a metabolic byproduct, not from a simple reservoir. This CO2 production increases with nerve stimulation, indicating its role in nerve transmission.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Biochemistry

Background:

Nerve function is primarily understood through electrical signaling.
The metabolic processes underlying nerve activity require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the production and release of carbon dioxide (CO2) from nerve tissue.
To determine if CO2 is a true metabolite of nerve activity.

Main Methods:

Utilized a modified Osterhout respiratory apparatus for CO2 detection.
Measured CO2 output from dogfish lateral-line nerves under quiescent and stimulated conditions.

Main Results:

Dogfish lateral-line nerves release CO2, initially in a gush, then at a steady rate.
CO2 production is a true metabolic process, not simple leakage.

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Nerve stimulation increased CO2 production by 15.8%.

Conclusions:

Nerve activity involves chemical changes, with CO2 as a significant metabolite.
These findings suggest a role for chemical processes in nerve transmission.