Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
09:41
Preparation and Immunostaining of Myelinating Organotypic Cerebellar Slice Cultures
Published on: March 20, 2019
Changes in myelinated nerve fibres caused by insulating layers
Acta Physiologica Scandinavica
|March 1, 1982
Summary
Investigating frog nerve fibers, researchers found vaseline seals minimally impacted axoplasm, unlike air gaps which caused significant resistance increases. These findings are crucial for optimizing electrophysiological experiments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Myelinated nerve fibers are crucial for rapid signal transmission in the nervous system.
- Understanding the integrity of the axoplasm during experimental procedures is vital for accurate electrophysiological studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of experimental sealing methods (vaseline vs. air gap) on the axoplasm of single myelinated nerve fibers.
- To evaluate the electrophysiological stability of nerve internodes under different sealing conditions.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was used to examine structural changes in dissected nerve internodes.
- Electrophysiological recordings were performed to measure axoplasmic resistance over time.
- Comparison of vaseline seals and air gaps as methods for isolating nerve internodes.
Main Results:
- Vaseline seals caused a minor reduction (approx. 3x) in axoplasmic cross-sectional area, while air gaps caused a larger reduction (approx. 5x).
- Vaseline seals maintained stable axoplasmic resistance for up to 2 hours.
- Air gaps led to a rapid, humidity-dependent increase in axoplasmic resistance, doubling within ~49 minutes and increasing up to 3000-fold.
Conclusions:
- Vaseline seals offer superior stability for maintaining axoplasmic integrity and resistance in nerve fiber experiments compared to air gaps.
- Air gaps introduce significant experimental variability due to rapid changes in axoplasmic resistance, influenced by atmospheric humidity.
- Findings provide critical insights for optimizing voltage-clamp experiments on myelinated nerve fibers.
More Related Videos
09:34Use of In Vivo Single-fiber Recording and Intact Dorsal Root Ganglion with Attached Sciatic Nerve to Examine the Mechanism of Conduction Failure
Published on: August 27, 2019
08:57In Vitro Myelination of Peripheral Axons in a Coculture of Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Explants and Schwann Cells
Published on: February 10, 2023
Related Concept Videos
01:41Action Potentials
Overview
01:14Action 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...
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
01:25Nervous Tissue: Myelin
The myelin sheath is a multilayered lipid and protein covering that insulates the axon of a neuron, enhancing the speed of nerve impulse conduction. Axons without this sheath are referred to as unmyelinated. Two types of neuroglia, Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) are responsible for producing myelin sheaths.
Schwann cells begin to form myelin sheaths around axons during fetal development. They wrap around a small...
Schwann cells begin to form myelin sheaths around axons during fetal development. They wrap around a small...
01:14Action 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...
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
01:23Propagation 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 ions to...
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 ions to...
01:15Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
In the CNS, neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons from stem cells, is limited to the hippocampus in adults. In other regions of the brain and spinal cord, neurogenesis is almost non-existent due to inhibitory influences from neuroglia, especially oligodendrocytes, and the absence of growth-stimulating cues. The myelin produced by oligodendrocytes in the CNS inhibits neuronal regeneration. Furthermore, astrocytes proliferate rapidly after neuronal damage, forming scar tissue that physically...