Abstract
In the jellyfish Aglantha digitale two forms of swimming arise from two separate propagating axonal impulses: a fast, overshooting action potential that depends on TTX-resistant Na+ channels, and a low-amplitude spike that depends on T-type Ca2+ channels. While the Na+ action potential is propagated simply and without distortion, the shape of the Ca2+ spike depends on the past history of the axon; it is processed as well as propagated. Patch- and voltage-clamp experiments show how three classes of K+ channels contribute to this apparently unique system. A dual Na+/Ca2+ impulse mechanism may increase the bandwidth of an axonal line of communication but it also places restrictions on the form of the synaptic input needed for spike initiation
Translated title of the contribution | Impulse conduction in the jellyfish, Aglantha digitale |
---|---|
Original language | English |
Pages (from-to) | 81 - 89 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Hydrobiologia |
Volume | 530/531 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov 2004 |