The Node of Ranvier

ContentsContributors 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 Cytoskeletonand 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.