• 1 May 1987
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 29  (5) , 569-575
Abstract
The shear modulus (.gamma.) of single giant axon of the crab Carcinus maenas was determined by measuring the axon elastic stretching up to 1-10%. The value obtained for .gamma. (5-7.cntdot.103 dn.cntdot.cm) is more than that for sheaths of reptilian and mammalian red blood cells by 104-106 times. Proteolysis of the axon sheath by pronase solution (2 mg/ml 15-20 min) increases the amplitude of axon movement at the action potential by 8-10 times. It is suggested that the collagen fibers, Schwann''s and connective cells are passive structures of the axon sheath, and that potential-depend axon movement at the action potential is due to deformation of the axolemma and submembrane layer.