Stationary potential of the brain: Part I. Basic studies.

Abstract

The existence of stationary potential (SP) of the brain is demonstrated by experimental studies. The polarity of SP was positive and the magnitude of SP was 7.6±2.4 (SD) mV in rats, 9.8±2.4 mV in rabbits, 10.2±1.8 mV in cats, and 10.9±2.2 mV in dogs. The magnitude of SP in human was estimated by clinical observations at about 20 mV. The retina of cats also had SP. The magnitude was on the order of 5 mV. The retinal SP may correspond to the so-called “resting potential” of the retina. A mass of cells without neurons, for example the liver or glioma, did not possess SP. The neurons were thought to be the essential component to originate the SP. SP was very stable in physiological conditions, but it changed in intracranial organic lesions and, extensive metabolic disorders such as anoxia or generalized convulsive seizures. SP may reflect the ionic distribution on the neuronal surface which constitutes the neuronal membrane potential, because SP is closely correlated to the membrane potential of neurons and extracellular potassium concentration, whereas it was independent of cortical or blood pH changes or glial membrane potentials.