Bioelectric Potentials Associated with the Growing Deer Antler

Abstract

Bioelectric potentials associated with the developing deer antler throughout its growth cycle can be correlated with the rate of longitudinal bone growth. Electrodes were connected to a high input impediance microvoltmeter, and potentials on the surface of antlers of mature deer were measured during the antler growth cycle. The reference electrode was placed at the base of the antler, while the recording electrode was placed at the antler tip or along the antler shaft. Antler length measurements were made during the growth cycle and longitudinal growth rates were determined. Growth rates and bioelectric potentials were compared for three specified periods during the antler growth cycle. The most negative potential was recorded from the antler tip. Furthermore, electronegativity increased as the rate of growth in length increased and decreased as the rate of growth in length decreased. The potentials reached isopolarity at the end of antler growth.