Channel mechanisms for structural basis for the Hodgkin and Huxley relation
by
Charles M. Fortmann
Stony brook university
Coauthors: Yeona Kang

Neural channel transport was analyzed using a previously reported relation for charged

particle transport in two energy-type gradients. One energy type gradient is the electric

field, expressible as a concentration gradient along the axis of transport,

the second results from the transporting cation coupling with water and with a neural

channel deformation. Neural channels are lined with alpha helix protein secondary

structure that have near neutral charge and are filled with water vapor and sequestered

hydrophobic amino acids arranged to present minimum water vapor and water-hydrophobic

interface. Cation point charges generate enormous electric fields on sub-nanometer

distances. Electrostatic energy reduction is characterized by water, a strong dielectric,

being pulled toward the transporting ion, thereby deforming the neural channel structure.

An energy gradient results whenever the ion-water-structure coupling energy is modified

by changes in channel diameter and/or channel deformation in the axial direction.

The resultant two energy gradient relation for cation transport: reduces to the

Hodgkin-Huxley relation, explains channel selectivity and environmental sensitivity,

and predicts fast non-dispersive transport under a narrow range of conditions.

The transporting cation-water-deformation model produces current-voltage

characteristics consistent with observation.

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Date received: February 19, 2008