Resistance Kinetics following Convection-Velocity Steps in the Teorell Membrane Oscillator

Abstract

The kinetic behaviour of the resistance in Teorell's membrane oscillator has been subjected to theoretical analysis. A membrane model has been considered which takes into account convection and diffusion as transport mechanisms. The nonlinear time dependence of the membrane resistance has been calculated for a step function in the convection velocity. The exact solution has been compared with Teorell's monoexponential approximation of the resistance-decay function. The implications of the more complete convection-diffusion model are discussed and a modified expression of the rate constant is suggested. The results of the investigation are relevant when the membrane oscillator is used as a model of biological excitable cells.