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. 1964 May;4(3):167–188. doi: 10.1016/s0006-3495(64)86776-x

A Molecular Structural Basis for the Excitation Properties of Axons

David E Goldman
PMCID: PMC1367498  PMID: 14185580

Abstract

A structural model is suggested for axon membranes consisting of a double layer of lipid and phospholipid molecules in which the polar ends of certain phospholipids change their orientation and combining properties under the influence of an electric field. The phosphate groups act as ion exchange “gates” for the control of ion flow through the membrane. Expressions are developed for the calculation of membrane current components as functions of time, potential, and ionic environment. Approximate solutions show fairly good agreement with existing experimental data in a number of different respects such as steady-state current-voltage relations, the effect of calcium on steady-state current, potassium tracer flux ratios, initial current and rate of change of current, and the dependence of the time constants of current change on membrane potential.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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