Modulation of spike frequency by regions of special axonal geometry and by synaptic inputs.

1. Spike propagation across the nonhomogeneous section of the giant axon in ganglion T3 of the cockroach was analyzed by intracellular microelectrodes recording at the posterior and anterior ends of T3. Ascending and descending potentials were evoked by stimulation of A5-A6 and T2-T3 connectives. 2. At high frequencies, descending and ascending impulses exhibit the following: a) consecutive reduction in the spike amplitude, b) a decrease in the afterhyperpolarization; c) gradual appearance of a prepotential together with an increase in delay of spike initiation; d) failure of full spike invasion into the recording area, showing only a decremental potential. 3. The duration of a train required to block spike propagation when the whole connective is stimulated is much shorter (about 6 times) than that required when a single giant axon is stimulated. 4. The conduction block is associated with a marked decrease in effective membrane resistance, greater than that expected from depolarization and delayed rectification. 5. Synaptic potentials could be recorded in the giant axons in the caudal base of ganglion T3 after stimulation of either the ipsilateral or contralateral connectives at both ends of the ganglion. These synaptic potentials could be blocked by d-tubocurarine (d-TC) or low Ca2+-high Mg2+. 6. Activation of these synapses produces a marked increase in membrane conductance, blocking propagation of spike trains through the ganglion. 7. After these synapses are blocked by d-TC or low Ca2+-high Mg2+, high-frequency stimulation still produces a conduction block. 8. It seems that conduction of spike during repetitive stimulation is affected both by accumulation of extracellular potassium, which depolarizes the membrane and causes sodium inactivation, and by activation of synaptic inputs to shunt the membrane in this region. 8. Each of these two mechanisms by itself can produce conduction block along the giant axons in ganglion T3.