Extracellular local field potentials in men and women based on a theoretical model of voltage decrease as a function of distance

Abstract

Extracellular microelectrodes determine the field potential difference adjacent to the neuron and depend on the composition of the tissue, including ohmic resistance and distance from the source. Based on theoretical aspects, a reciprocal voltage versus distance model is postulated, which was assessed by means of clinical neurographical data in men and women. Data of women showed higher voltages and could be slightly better fitted to the model. Voltage amplitude and to a lesser extent rise time (RT) were the only action potential characteristics which could predict the gender in a discriminant analysis model. In conclusion, neurographical studies may be a suitable option to assess ohmic resistance of tissue and composition of tissue in addition to bioimpedance (BIA) methods.