EFFECTS OF HIGH HYDROSTATIC-PRESSURE ON THE ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HELIX NEURONS

1. 1. The effects of high hydrostatic pressure (50-363 × 10N.m-2) were studied on the electrical characteristics of Helix neurons. 2. 2. High hydrostatic pressure causes reversible depolarisation and a reversible increase in the input conductance of quiescent Helix neurons. 3. 3. At a low temperature (4°C) hydrostatic pressure reduces excitability whereas at a higher temperature (18°C) pressure increases excitability. 4. 4. High hydrostatic pressure reduces both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission by reducing the amplitude of the postsynaptic events. 5. 5. Hydrostatic pressure can alter rhythmically firing action potential activity in a variety of ways depending on the cell type and the temperature. 6. 6. Hydrostatic pressure increases the duration of the action potential, by slowing both the peak depolarisation and repolarisation rate. © 1979.