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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...

Local Anesthetics: Mechanism of Action

Local Anesthetics: Mechanism of Action

Local anesthetics (LAs) block sensory and motor impulses by inhibiting the sodium channels on the nerve cell membranes. This induces temporary loss of sensation, relieving pain in a specific body area.
Local anesthetics are amphiphilic molecules consisting of a hydrophobic aromatic part linked to a hydrophilic group by an ester or amide linkage. They are weak bases and are usually available as salts, which increases their solubility and stability. Once administered, LAs exist in the body either...

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...

Propagation of Action Potentials

Propagation of Action Potentials

The propagation of an action potential refers to the process by which a nerve impulse, or "action potential," travels along a neuron.
Neurons (nerve cells) have a resting membrane potential, with a slightly negative charge inside compared to outside. This is maintained by ion channels, such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) channels, which control the flow of ions. When a stimulus, like a touch or a signal from another neuron, triggers the neuron, sodium channels open, allowing sodium...

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Subthreshold Effects of Low-Frequency Alternating Current on Nerve Conduction Delay.

Michael Ryne Horn¹, Nathaniel Liam Lazorchak², Usama Kalim Khan³

¹Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.

|April 29, 2025

Summary

Low-frequency alternating current (LFAC) causes nerve conduction delays that depend on fiber size, not frequency. Larger nerve fibers block at lower thresholds with shorter delays, offering potential for selective neuromodulation.

Keywords:

action potential conduction delay functional electrical stimulation (FES)low-frequency alternating current block (LFACb)nerve conduction modulation sodium channel inactivation

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Published on: May 11, 2020

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Biophysics
Electrical Engineering

Background:

Low-frequency alternating current (LFAC) is known to induce nerve conduction block (LFACb).
The precise effects of LFAC on nerve conduction delays preceding block are not well understood.
Investigating these effects is crucial for understanding LFAC's neuromodulatory potential.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the impact of LFAC-induced nerve conduction block (LFACb) on conduction velocity and blocking thresholds.
To differentiate the effects on myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers.
To explore LFACb as a tool for selective nerve modulation.

Main Methods:

Utilized in-vivo (earthworm) and ex-vivo (canine vagus nerve) experiments.
Employed in-silico computational models (HYS for unmyelinated, MRG for myelinated fibers).
Analyzed LFAC effects across a frequency range (50-500 mHz) and varying fiber properties.

Main Results:

LFAC-induced conduction delays were independent of frequency but significantly influenced by fiber diameter and conduction velocity.
Larger diameter fibers showed lower block thresholds and shorter pre-block delays.
Smaller diameter fibers exhibited longer subthreshold delays before complete block.

Conclusions:

LFACb can selectively block larger nerve fibers while preserving function in smaller ones.
This selectivity suggests LFACb as a potential neuromodulation technique.
Potential applications include functional electrical stimulation (FES) and temporary nerve blocks.