The Effect of Stimulation on the Potassium Content of Limulus Leg Nerves

THE RESULTS of experiments on the potassium loss in nerves during stimulation have led to no definite general conclusion. Fenn (‘38) working with the myelinated nerves of cats and frogs obtained no significant loss of potassium. Cowan ('34) using the unmyelinated nerves of the spider crab, Maia squinado, obtained an appreciable loss of potassium during fZteen minutes of stimulation. His method, however, is open to two criticisms: (1) The sections of nerves from which the potassium was lost, were between the stimulating electrodes. (2) No criterion was used to determine whether the nerves were conducting during stimulation. It seemed important therefore, to determine again the effect of stimulation on unmyelinated nerve with appropriate modifications of the technique.