Abstract
Summary
An action of dilantin and mesantoin on the nerve fiber is described. The addition of these compounds to a perfusion of artificial sea water does not affect the electrical activity of isolated giant axons. In the presence of reduced calcium and magnesium spontaneous firing of the fiber occurs. This may be reversed by returning the nerve to sea water with normal concentrations of calcium and magnesium. A decrease in hyperirritability may also be obtained by adding dilantin or mesantoin to water deficient in calcium and magnesium. Continued exposure to the latter solution reversibly abolishes signs of electrical activity. Dilantin labelled with N15 was found to penetrate into the interior of the giant axon of squid. The concentration in the axoplasm of the fiber was close to equilibrium within one hour.
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