Nerve conduction velocity and refractory period as parameters of neurotoxicity

The maximum conduction velocity (MCV) and minimum refractory period (MRP) were measured in rat sacral ventral and dorsal roots, and saphenous nerves. At 32 degrees C values for MCV were 81.45, 73.96 and 49.12 m/sec for the ventral and dorsal roots, and saphenous nerves respectively, with corresponding temperature coefficients of 3.9, 3.25 and 2.14 m/sec/degrees C. Values of MRP at 32 degrees C for the 3 nerve preparations were 0.63, 0.52 and 0.47 msec, with an average temperature coefficient of 0.04 msec/degrees C at 32 degrees C.