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Modelled temperature-dependent excitability behaviour of a generalised human peripheral sensory nerve fibre

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine if a recently developed human Ranvier node model, which is based on a modified version of the Hodgkin–Huxley model, could predict the excitability behaviour in human peripheral sensory nerve fibres with diameters ranging from 5.0 to 15.0 μm. The Ranvier node model was extended to include a persistent sodium current and was incorporated into a generalised single cable nerve fibre model. Parameter temperature dependence was included. All calculations were performed in Matlab. Sensory nerve fibre excitability behaviour characteristics predicted by the new nerve fibre model at different temperatures and fibre diameters compared well with measured data. Absolute refractory periods deviated from measured data, while relative refractory periods were similar to measured data. Conduction velocities showed both fibre diameter and temperature dependence and were underestimated in fibres thinner than 12.5 μm. Calculated strength–duration time constants ranged from 128.5 to 183.0 μs at 37°C over the studied nerve fibre diameter range, with chronaxie times about 30% shorter than strength–duration time constants. Chronaxie times exhibited temperature dependence, with values overestimated by a factor 5 at temperatures lower than body temperature. Possible explanations include the deviated absolute refractory period trend and inclusion of a nodal strangulation relationship.

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Abbreviations

HH model:

Hodgkin–Huxley model

ANF:

Auditory nerve fibre

AP:

Action potential

ARP:

Absolute refractory period

RRP:

Relative refractory period

GHK:

Goldman–Hodgkin–Katz

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Author notes

  1. Jacoba E. Smit

    Present address: Biophotonics Group, CSIR National Laser Centre (NLC), Building 46, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa

    Jacoba E. Smit, Tania Hanekom & Johan J. Hanekom

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  1. Jacoba E. Smit
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  2. Tania Hanekom
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  3. Johan J. Hanekom
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Correspondence to Tania Hanekom.

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At the time of this research J. E. Smit was with the University of Pretoria.

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Smit, J.E., Hanekom, T. & Hanekom, J.J. Modelled temperature-dependent excitability behaviour of a generalised human peripheral sensory nerve fibre. Biol Cybern 101, 115–130 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00422-009-0324-7

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