The use of Hückel and Onsager equation to derive stimulating voltage for a cell

English (OpenAlex)

This article deals with the use of Hückel–Onsager equation to determine potential drop in the voltage-dependent ion channels of cell membranes. The necessary parameters/variables were derived from literature to describe how one calculates entry potential at a hypothetical plane in the selectivity filter of ion channels. We start with computation of entry potential for a resting potential of -70 mV as soon as a few voltage-gated Na+ channels open. Calculated corresponding entry potential was − 15.01 mV. A simplified approach linked to this reference value of entry potential was devised for quantifying stimulus voltage to generate an action potential in the excitable cells with different resting potentials. Threshold voltage of stimulus, which is enough strength to depolarize cell membrane to threshold level, varied between 8.58 and 17.16 mV for the resting potentials of -40 and − 80 mV, respectively. The magnitude of difference between resting and threshold potentials was wider in case of higher negative resting voltages. The velocity and number of ions passing through one channel were indirectly computed for an estimated entry potential/stimulus voltage. Their quantities were the power functions of electrical field strengths. This work can lead to improving strategies for early management of status epilepticus in emergency departments.