Effect of Beta Irradiation on Oxygen Consumption in the Frog Sciatic Nerve

Abstract

Frog sciatic nerves show an increase in oxygen consumption due to beta irradiation. There are two peaks in this increase. The first peak seems to correspond to the beginning of enhancement of the relative amplitude of the action potential where this enhancement occurs. The second peak corresponds to the drastic change occurring in the negative afterpotential which precedes the end of the nerve's ability to generate an action potential. There seems to be a definite relation between radiation damage on the one hand, and potassium efflux, the negative afterpotential, and oxygen consumption.