The Node of Ranvier

Contents

Contributors

Preface

Evolutional Aspects of the Structure and Function of the Nodes of Ranvier

I. Introduction

II. Morphology

III. Functional Parameters

IV. Electrophysiological Considerations

V. Conclusions

References

Membrane Specialization at the Nodes of Ranvier and Paranodal and Juxtaparanodal Regions of Myelinated Central and Peripheral Nerve Fibers

I. Introduction

II. The Node of Ranvier

III. The Paranodal Region

IV. The Juxtaparanodal Internode

V. Developmental Studies

VI. Possible Mechanisms of Nodal Differentiation

VII. Effects of Demyelinating Agents

VIII. Aberrant Nodal and Paranodal Structures

References

Cation Binding at the Node of Ranvier

I. Introduction

II. Localization of Cation-Binding Reaction Product in the Normal, Myelinated Axon

III. Localization of Binding during Development

IV. Cation Binding under Pathological Conditions

V. Cation Binding in Saltatory Conduction

VI. Conclusions

References

Formation and Morphology of the Nodes of Ranvier in Cultures of CNS and PNS

I. Introduction

II. Nodes of Ranvier

III. Neurotoxic Effects

IV. Conclusion

References

Structural and Functional Relationships of Ion Conduction in the Myelinated and Demyelinated Axon

I. Introduction

II. Historical Development of the Description of Saltatory Conduction

III. Modern Study of the Molecular Architecture of Myelinated Nerve Membrane

IV. Pathophysiology of Conduction in Demyelinated Nerve Fibers

V. Conclusions

References

Structure and Function of the Cytoskeleton

and Endomembrane Systems at the Node of Ranvier

I. Introduction

II. General Organization of Eucaryotic Cytoplasm

III. Components of the Axonal Cytoskeleton and Cytomusculature

IV. Endomembrane and Cisternal Systems of the Node and Paranode

V. Connections between the Cytoskeleton and the Endomembrane Systems

VI. Paranodal and Nodal Membrane Specializations as Shown by Freeze-Fracture

VII. Conclusions

References

Functional Oganization of Potassium Channels in Normal and Pathological Mammalian Axons

I. Introduction

II. Firing Characteristics and Accommodation of Normal and Pathological Axons

III. Potassium Channels and Stabilization of Nodal Firing Properties during Axon Maturation

IV. Role of Potassium Conductance in Activity-Dependent Excitability Changes

V. Electrical Field Effect Interactions in Normal and Pathological Nerve Bundles

VI. Potassium Channel Organization in Pathological Axons

VII. Localization of Potassium Channels during Development and Regeneration

VIII. Concluding Remarks

References

Nodes of Ranvier in Pathological Conditions

I. Introduction

II. The Normal Nodes

III. Pathology of the Node

References

Toxic Effects on the Node of Ranvier

I. Effects of Neurotoxic Substances upon Axons

II. Effects of Neurotoxic Substances upon Schwann Cells and the Myelin Sheath

References

Normal and Defective Differentiation of the Nodes of Ranvier in Neurological Mutants of the Mouse

I. Introduction

II. Morphological, Physiological, and Biochemical Aspects of Nodes of Ranvier in Normal, Developing, and De- or Re myelinating Peripheral Nerves

III. Cell Interactions at the Nodes of Ranvier in Peripheral Nerves of the Neurological Mutants of the Mouse during Development and Adulthood

IV. Conclusion

References

Nodelike Membrane at Extranodal Sites: Comparative Morphology and Physiology

I. Introduction

II. Differentiation of Nodal Membrane

III. Differentiation of Nodelike Membrane in the Absence of Myelin: Developing Axons

IV. Foci of Nodelike Membrane in Specialized Nonmyelinated Fibers

V. The Initial Segment: Specialized Membrane Properties at the Encoding/Trigger Zone

VI. Heminodes and the Invasion of Preterminal Fibers

VII. Conclusions

References

Sprouting and Regeneration of Peripheral Nerve

I. Introduction

II. Distal and Proximal Consequences of Neural Trauma

III. Neuronal Regeneration

IV. The Growth Cone and the Environment

V. Neurite Dynamics during Synapse Formation and Repression

VI. Sprouting

VII. Conclusions

References

Index