Re: [HAPS-L] Absolute refractory period

[Sandy Neps <sandy.neps@xxxxxxx>]

My understanding is that the absolute refractory period is due to the 
inactivation gate of Na+ channels.  According to Bertil Hille (Ion 
Channels of Excitable Membranes- 1992) "The membrane must be 
repolarized or hyperpolarized, often for many milliseconds, to remove 
the inactivation." 

However, it seems it is not just this simple.... later Hille dedicated 
a section of his book to "Macroscopic ionic currents reveal 
complexities in Na inactivation". To poorly summarize this section.... 
we don't know how. I am sure there is more current data out there. My 
reference is 15 years old. 

Thanks for the opportunity to relive my electrophysiology days. 

Sandy Neps 


Herbert House wrote:


>Is there a definite point at which the absolute refractory period ends? 
As
>when the resting membrane potential is reached? Different figures show 
the
>absolute refractory period ending before, at, or slightly after 
reaching the
>RMP.
>
>Comments appreciated.
>
>Thanks,
>Herb H
>
>-- 
>Herbert W. House
>Professor of Biology    Phone: 336.278.6187
>Elon University         Fax:   336.278.6258
>2625 Campus Box         email: househ@xxxxxxxx
>Elon, NC 27244          224E McMichael
>
>
>
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