Explanation of misleading Nernst slope by Boltzmann equation

The common misuse in the literature of the terms Nernst slope, Nernst factor, and Nernst potential should be corrected. The membrane electrode potential is explained by the Boltzmann distribution equation. The slope of 59 mV per ionic unit is not unique to the Nernst equation. Both the Nernst equation and the Boltzmann distribution equation give the same 59-mV slope based on different mechanisms. The slope indicates only the change of -Delta G regardless of mechanisms. To avoid any misleading inference to the wrong equation mechanism, a person's name should not be used to denote a common slope. The factors affecting the slope, the electrode potential and its measurements, the importance of potential mechanism, and the modified Boltzmann equation are presented. (C) 1998 Academic Press.