Activity in Mammalian Peripheral Nerves during Supercooling

Abstract

Excised peripheral nerves from several species of mammals from interior Alaska continue to operate when supercooled to temperatures as low as -6°C. In some nerves, spontaneous freezing begins before activity ceases. If the nerves are not allowved to remain in a partially or completely frozen state for a prolonged period they will regain their activity when rewarmed.