Micromechanical Properties of Neuronal Membranes
Abstract
This study is aimed at elucidating the response of neural membranes to temporally specific acoustic impulses and utilizing this information to better understand the electrochemical microstructure of such membranes. We have found that single, short duration, low energy, pulses of ultrasound delivered at specific times within a window of about 50 msec proceeding a standard electrical stimulus appreciably changes the compound action potential (CAP) evoked. These ultrasonic pulses were focused, 2 to 7 MHz, 0.5 msec durations and had peak intensities of temperature rises less than 0.025 C which would preclude bulk heating as a basis of the effect. When used as the prestimulus, neither an electrical pulse nor an Rf burst would produce similar effects on the CAP. Low frequency mechanical prestimuli, delivered by a vibrating stylus, does however mimic the effect of an ultrasound pulse. At this point in our investigation it appears that the low frequency radiation pressure transient produced by the ultrasound pulse is the proximal effector and, it is acting on relatively slow stretch-sensitive channels in the neural membrane.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 15, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA212833
Entities
People
- Howard Wachtel
Organizations
- University of Colorado Boulder