Electric field in axons
It would be naɪve to expect extreme electric field intensities in the axon compared
to the field intensity in dendrites. This is because the space constant λ in axons
is 1-2 orders of magnitude larger than the dendritic space constant and it is
inversely linked to the electric field strength E = -VV. The electric field intensity
could be approximated using the cable equation after assessing the space
constant λ for the axonal projection that increases with the diameter of the
neuronal projection:
(91)
dRM
4 Ra
25 × 10 6m × 10Ω.m2
4 × 0.62Ω.m
≈ 10mm
The applied voltage could vary from 70mV to 100mV (taking into account the
overshoot of the action potential) so the electric intensity E could reach 10V/m.
Neuhaus et al. (2003) note that axonal damage in multiple sclerosis appears to
be initiated by increased membrane permeability followed by enhanced
Ca2+-influx. Disruption of axonal transport alters the cytoskeleton and leads to
axonal swelling, lobulation and, finally, disconnection. The drastic change of the
electric microenvironment however could also directly lead to microtubule
dysfunction.
53
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