Membrane conductance and action potential of a regenerating axonal tip

The electrical membrane properties of axotomized and regenerating giant axons from the nerve cord of the cockroach Periplaneta americana were studied. Immediately after axotomy there was a decrease in resting potential, input resistance, and action potential amplitude near the cut end. This decrease was followed by the disappearance of the sodium-dependent action potential; an increase in the resting membrane conductance to K+, Na+, and Ca2+; and the appearance of a calcium-dependent action potential.