Neuronal Membrane Potential (NMP)

Neuronal membrane potential is the difference in electrical potential between the inside and outside of a neuron, typically around -70mV at rest. This potential arises from selective ion permeability and active transport (Na+/K+ pump). It is crucial for generating action potentials and synaptic signaling, enabling neuronal communication. Alterations in membrane potential are implicated in various neurological disorders and targeted by many therapeutic drugs.

Other names

Resting Membrane PotentialMembrane VoltageTransmembrane PotentialElectrochemical Gradient (Neuron)

Drugs modulate neuronal membrane potential by interacting with ion channels (Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca2+), neurotransmitter receptors (ligand-gated ion channels), or ion pumps (e.g., Na+/K+ ATPase) to alter ion permeability and thus change the resting membrane potential, threshold for action potential generation, and neuronal excitability.