Neural Excitability Increases with Axonal Resistance between Soma and Axon Initial Segment

Scientists examined how changes in R_a at the axon hillock impact the voltage threshold (V^th) of the somatic action potential in L5 pyramidal neurons. Increasing R_a by mechanically pinching the axon between the soma and the axon initial segment was found to lower V^th by ∼6 mV.