Neurology · 1986 · 77 citations · 0 references
Life SciencesNeurologyNeuroscienceMotor NeuroscienceNeuropharmacologySensory PhysiologyMotor Neuron PhysiologyMultiple Sclerosis PharmacotherapyNeurologic PathophysiologyNeuromuscular Blocking AgentsPeripheral Nervous SystemSensory-motor IntegrationMultiple Sclerosis TherapyPotassium Channel PharmacologyPotassium Channel PhysiologySensory Neuron ElectrophysiologySensory-motor Function
Mammalian motor and sensory fibers respond differently to the potassium channel-blocking agent, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). The action potentials of the motor fibers increase in duration after 4-AP, while the sensory fibers respond with bursts of action potentials after a single stimulus. These differences may account for the paresthesias reported by patients with multiple sclerosis following treatment with 4-AP.