Isn’t there an inductance factor in the plasma membrane of nerves?

抄録

It is established knowledge that the action potential event of nerves is formed by the combination of a phasic inward Na⁺ current and a following outward K⁺ current which increases gradually. These changes in current are commonly referred to as conductance changes of channels for Na⁺ and K⁺ with time. On the other hand, electric requirements for action potential generation in phenomena such as anode break excitation, hyperpolarizing break stimulation and accommodation, strongly suggest an existence of an inductance factor in the plasma membrane of nerves. In this study, the possibility that the Na⁺ channel could be simulated by a circuit composed serially of resistance (R), inductance (L), and capacitance (C) was examined using a computer simulation. Electric responses of the RLC circuit (R²/4L² ≥ 1/LC) to step voltages are as followings: (1) A transient potential is produced on the inductor, (2) the circuit current simulates well the Na⁺ current manner, and (3) time course of the capacitor potential resembles the K⁺ current change.