Electrical Characteristics of Injury Potentials

Abstract

Injuries in the ventricular muscle of the turtles were made by suction and the resulting potential changes recorded. Analysis of these show that during the period of positive potential the electrical resistance increases and produces a decrease in the current flow. At the two periods of reversal of polarity the results become indeterminate by the method employed. Evidence is obtained indicating that the origin of the potential changes is located at the margins of the injured region. A seasonal variation in the resistance of the injured region is descr. The resistance in winter turtles is approx. twice that of summer turtles. The resistance of winter turtles is lowered to summer values by warming but no procedure was found that would increase the resistance of summer turtles.