Abstract
Using Sneed's metatheory an attempt is made to reconstruct Hodgkin and Huxley's theory of excitation of cell membranes. The structure of this theory is uncovered by defining set-theoretical predicates for the partial potential models, potential models, and models of the theory. The function of permeability is said to be the only theoretical function with respect to this theory. The main underlying assumptions of the theory are briefly outlined.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Adam, G., Läuger, P., and Stark, G.,Physikalische Chemie und Biophysik, Springer, Berlin/Heidelberg/New York, 1977.
Chang, D. C., ‘A physical model of nerve axon. Part I: Ionic distribution, potential profile, and resting potential’,Bulletin of Mathematical Biology 39, (1977) 1–22.
Chang, D. C., A physical model of nerve axon. Part II: Action potential and excitation currents. Voltage clamp studies of chemical driving forces of K+ and Na+ in Squid Giant Axon’,Physiological Chemistry and Physics 11, (1979) 263–288
Cole, K. S.,Membranes, Iones and Impulses, University of California Press, Berkeley, 1968.
Goldman, D. E., ‘Potential, impedance, and rectification in membranes’,J. Gen. Physiol. 27, (1943) 37–60
Hille, B., ‘Ionic basis of resting and action potential’,in J. M. Brockhart and V. B. Mountcastle (eds.),The Nervous System, Handbook of Physiology, Sec. I, Vol. 1, Am. Physiol. Soc., Bethesda, Maryland, 1977, pp. 99–136.
Hodgkin, A. L. and Huxley, A. F., ‘Currents carried by sodium and potassium ions through the membrane of the Giant Axon of Loligo’,J. Physiol. (London) 116, (1952) 449–472.
Hodgkin, A. L. and Huxley, A. F., ‘The components of membrane conductance in the Giant Axon of Loligo’,J. Physiol. (London) 116, (1952) 473–496.
Hodgkin, A. L. and Huxley, A. F., ‘The dual effect of membrane potential on sodium conductance in the Giant Axon of Loligo’,J. Physiol. (London) 116, (1952) 497–506.
Hodgkin, A. L. and Huxley, A. F., ‘The quantitative description of membrane current and its application to conductance and excitation in nerve’,J. Physiol. (London) 117, (1952) 500–544.
Hodgkin, A. L., Huxley, A. F., and Katz, B., ‘The ionic currents underlying activity in the Giant Axon of the Squid’,Arch. Sci. Physiol. 3, (1949) 129–159.
Hodgkin, A. L. and Katz, B., ‘The effect of sodium ions on the electrical activity of the Giant Axon of the Squid’,J. Physiol. (London) 108, (1949) 37–77.
Ling, G. N.,A Physical Theory of the Living State. The Association-Induction Hypotheses, Blaisdell, London/New York, 1962.
Moulines, C. U.,Zur logischen Rekonstruktion der Thermodynamik, Doctoral Dissertation, University of Munich, 1975.
Schmidt, R. F. and Thews, G.,Physiologie des Menschen,Springer, Berlin/Heidelberg/ New York, 1977.
Sneed, J. D.,The Logical Structure of Mathematical Physics, D. Reidel Publ. Co., Dordrecht, Holland, 1971.
Sneed, J. D., ‘Philosophical problems in the empirical science of science: A formal approach’,Erkenntnis 10, (1976) 115–146.
Stegmüller, W.,Theorie und Erfahrung, zweiter Halbband (Theorienstrukturen und Theoriendynamik), Springer, Berlin/Heidelberg/New York, 1973.
Sten-Knudsen, O., ‘Passive transport process’, in G. Giebisch, D. C. Tosteson and H. H. Ussing (eds.),Membrane Transport In Biology, Vol. I, Springer, Berlin/ Heidelberg/New York, 1978, pp. 7–13.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Müller, U., Pilatus, S. On Hodgkin and Huxley's theory of excitable membranes. Metamedicine 3, 193–208 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00882204
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00882204