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Determination of the resistance in series with the membranes of giant axons

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Summary

Measurements of the resistance in series with the excitable membrane for giant axons of two different phylla (the squidLoligo pealii and the marine wormMyxicola infundibulum) were obtained. Efforts were made to take into account the errors introduced by the finite rise-time of the measuring apparatus. The series resistance value, obtained very quickly by the method described, may be used in setting the compensation potentiometer to offset this resistance in voltage-clamp measurements. Estimates of the resistance of the periaxonal tissue layer were made. Analyses were done on some of the problems involved in attempting to make an unambiguous determination of the series resistance.

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Author notes

  1. J. P. Senft

    Present address: Juniata College, 16652, Huntington, Pa.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Laboratory of Biophysics, IR, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Public Health Service, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, 20014, Bethesda, Maryland

    L. Binstock, W. J. Adelman Jr., J. P. Senft & H. Lecar

  2. Marine Biological Laboratory, 02543, Woods Hole, Massachusetts

    L. Binstock, W. J. Adelman Jr., J. P. Senft & H. Lecar

Authors
  1. L. Binstock
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  2. W. J. Adelman Jr.
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  3. J. P. Senft
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  4. H. Lecar
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Binstock, L., Adelman, W.J., Senft, J.P. et al. Determination of the resistance in series with the membranes of giant axons. J. Membrain Biol. 21, 25–47 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01941060

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01941060

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