Temperature dependent membrane potential changes in snail neurons and their relation to active ion transport.

The mechanisms underlying the temperature response of the resting membrane potential (RMP) were investigated in 3 identified neurons of the buccal ganglion of Helix pomatia. Lowering the temperature evoked a decrease of the RMP and an increase in membrane resistance, and vice versa. The temperature response of the RMP had an equilibrium potential of ca, -60 mV. It is essentially evoked by changes in the potassium conductance. Indications of an electrogenic sodium transport were not detected.