Model Analysis of Post-Stimulation Block of a Myelinated Axon by Direct Current

To determine the role of ion concentrations and ion pump activity in conduction block of myelinated axon induced by a long-duration direct current (DC).

A new axonal conduction model for myelinated axons based on the classical Frankenhaeuser-Huxley (FH) equations is developed that includes ion pump activity and allows the intracellular and extracellular Na⁺ and K⁺ concentrations to change with axonal activity.

Action potential generation, propagation, and acute DC block occurring within a short period (milliseconds) that do not significantly change the ion concentrations or trigger ion pump activity are successfully simulated by the new model in a similar way as the classical FH model. Different from the classical model, the new model also successfully simulates the post-stimulation block phenomenon, i.e., the axonal conduction block occurring after terminating a long-duration (30 seconds) DC stimulation as observed recently in animal studies. The model reveals a significant K⁺ accumulation outside the axonal node as the possible mechanism underlying the post-DC block that is slowly reversed by ion pump activity during the post-stimulation period.

Changes in ion concentrations and ion pump activity play an important role in post-stimulation block induced by long-duration DC stimulation.

Long-duration stimulation is used clinically for many neuromodulation therapies, but the effects on axonal conduction/block are poorly understood. This new model will be useful for better understanding of the mechanisms underlying long-duration stimulation that changes ion concentrations and triggers ion pump activity.