Mitochondria delay action potential propagation.

ABSTRACT: The internal resistance of axons to ionic current flow determines action potential conduction velocity. Although mitochondria support axonal function, axons have been modeled as organelle-free cables, and mitochondrial impact on conduction velocity, specifically by increasing internal resistance, remains understudied. We combine computational modeling and electron microscopy of forebrain premotor axons controlling birdsong production. Modeling shows that when the propagating action potential in an unmyelinated axon encounters a mitochondrion, conduction velocity decreases, delaying the action potential by tenths of microseconds to microseconds, an effect that is stronger in small axons. Axonal mitochondria thereby induce conduction inhomogeneities, accumulating total delays of tenths of mi

SUBMITTER: Castelfranco AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12420829 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature