On mechanisms of electromechanophysiological interactions between the components of signals in axons

Abstract

Recent studies have revealed the complex structure of nerve signals in axons. There is experimental evidence that the propagation of an electrical signal (action potential) is accompanied by mechanical and thermal effects. In this paper, first an overview is presented on experimental results and possible mechanisms of electromechanophysiological couplings which govern the signal formation in axons. This forms a basis for building up a mathematical model describing an ensemble of waves. Three physical mechanisms responsible for coupling are (i) electric-lipid bi-layer interaction resulting in the mechanical wave in biomembrane; (ii) electric-fluid interaction resulting in the mechanical wave in the axoplasm; (iii) electric-fluid interaction resulting in the temperature change in axoplasm. The influence of possible changes in variables which could have a role for interactions are analysed and the concept of internal variables introduced for describing the endothermic processes. The previously proposed mathematical model is modified reflecting the possible physical explanation of these interactions.