Futher developments of A. A. Ukhtomsky's theory of the parabiotic origin of the refractory phase

Summary In 1927 A. A. Ukhtomsky suggested that refractory phase of the nerve is the condition of short parabiosis. It is probable that during the relative refractory phase the nerve gradually comes out of parabiosis. If this is the case—then at the very beginning of it the typical stages of parabiosis should be found, i.e. the paradoxical and the equalizing. The author's experiment demonstrated that this actually takes place. It was experimentally established that during the relative refractory phase the amplitude of the potential of the nerve action changes. This change depends on the interval between the experimental and testing stimuli with the regularity of the parabiotic process. Paradoxical and equalizing stages of parabiosis were revealed at the beginning of the relative refractory phase.Presented by Active Member of the Academy of Medical Sciences, USSR, D.N. NasonovPresented June 25, 1955 at the A. A. Ukhtomsky Physiological Institute, Leningrad State University, at the meeting in honor of the 80th anniversary of the birth of A. A. Ukhtomsky.