The Effect of Calcium on the Axoplasm of Giant Nerve Fibres

Abstract

1. Observations are described which indicate that the axoplasm of the giant nerve fibre of the squid is normally in a gelatinized state and behaves iike a solid. 2. Extruded axoplasm disperses rapidly in sea water, but not in calcium-free solutions of 0.58M-sodium chloride or potassium chloride. 3. The addition of calcium chloride in concentrations of 1 mM. or more causes the axoplasm to disperse, the time for complete disintegration decreasing as the calcium concentration is raised. No comparable effect is produced by the other constituents of sea water.