The effects of temperature on the biophysical properties of optic nerve F-fibres

In multiple sclerosis, exacerbation of symptoms with rising body temperature is associated with impulse conduction failure. The mechanism is not fully understood. Remarkably, normal optic nerve axons also show temperature dependent effects, with a fall in excitability with warming. Here we show two properties of optic nerve axons, accommodation and inward rectification (I(h)), respond to temperature changes in a manner consistent with a temperature dependent membrane potential. As we could find no evidence for the functional expression of K(V)7.2 in the axons, using the K(+) channel blocker tetraethylammonium ions, we suggest this may explain the membrane potential lability. In order to understand how the axonal membrane potential may show temperature dependence, we have developed a hypothesis involving the electroneutral movement of Na(+) ions across the axon membrane, that increases with increasing temperature with an appropriate Q(10). Part, but probably not all, of the electroneutral Na(+) movement is eliminated by removing extracellular Cl(−) or exposure to bumetanide, consistent with the involvement of the transporter NKCC1. Numerical simulation suggests a change in membrane potential of − 15–20 mV mimics altering temperature between room and physiological in the largest axons.