POTENTIAL CHANGES IN SYNCYTIAL NEURONS OF LOBSTER CARDIAC GANGLION

Abstract

The spike potential and synaptic potential of the large cardiac ganglion cell of a lobster were studied using the transmembrane-polarization- and voltage-clamp techniques. The spike of 2-8 mv was found to be an electrotonic potential of the spike at the axon and no proper spike potential initiated or invaded the soma membrane. During synaptic transmission there is an increased simple leakage at the synaptic membrane. All of 5 large cells are connected by protoplasmic routes which permit the slow potential change spreading from one cell to another.