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Laser interferometer measurement of changes in crayfish axon diameter concurrent with action potential
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|April 22, 1977
Summary
Action potentials cause rapid, small changes in axon diameter. In crayfish giant axons, these diameter changes occur within 1 millisecond and reach 18 angstroms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Action potentials are fundamental electrical signals in neurons.
- Axonal diameter changes are associated with action potential propagation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the rapid changes in axon diameter during action potential propagation.
- To measure the amplitude and timescale of these diameter changes in a model system.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the giant axon of the crayfish for experimental analysis.
- Employed high-resolution techniques to measure sub-millisecond diameter fluctuations.
Main Results:
- Observed rapid changes in axonal diameter coinciding with action potential progression.
- Quantified these diameter changes to be approximately 18 angstroms in total amplitude.
- Determined the temporal occurrence of these changes to be within approximately 1 millisecond.
Conclusions:
- Action potential propagation is accompanied by measurable, albeit small, rapid changes in axonal diameter.
- These findings provide quantitative data on the physical dynamics of neuronal signaling.