ISSN:
1432-1424
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Summary The theoretical principles governing both speed and fidelity in the temporal control of voltage-clamped, excitable membranes are developed. A generalized equivalent circuit for voltage-clamping various biological preparations is analyzed. For critical damping response, the amplifier time constant must either be much smaller (as with puffer neuron) or much larger (as with squid axon or eel electroplaque) than the time constant of the membrane-solution-electrode “load”. In the latter case, speed of response can be significantly increased with a new type of feedback designed to decrease the effects of current electrode and solution resistances. This new feedback, in addition, minimizes the lack of fidelity caused by the membrane time varying conductances. The analysis has been verified by experiments on eel electroplaque and with analogues that simulate an excitable membrane.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01870188
