Temperature-dependent characteristics of peripheral nerves exposed to different thermal conditions in the same animal

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Abstract
Beaver (Castor canadensis) caudal nerves, accustomed to tissue temperatures approaching 0 °C, were compared with nerves that encounter less severe cooling (tibial), and nerves that are accustomed only to deep body temperature (phrenic). Caudal nerves invariably conducted action potentials until freezing at about −5 °C. Tibial nerves ceased conducting at 0 °C and phrenic nerves failed at 4.5 °C. Conduction velocity – temperature slopes of the three nerves were different and absolute refractory periods in the cold-adapted nerves were significantly shorter at low temperature. Results furnish additional proof of cold adaptation in peripheral nerve.

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