Kv1 channels in signal conduction of myelinated nerve fibers.
The myelinated axon can be divided into three domains: the internodal axon, the paranodal axon and the nodal axon. The internodal axolemma contains high concentrations of K+ channels that are enriched in the juxtaparanodal region, whereas Na+ channels cluster in the node. This molecular organization of the myelinated axon membrane is critically important for the rapid and successful transmission of electrical impulses. The juxtaparanodal K+ channels are believed to be electrically inactive in adult peripheral nerves, but experiments with blocking drugs and genetic deletion have shown that they may serve important functions at earlier developmental stages, and during remyelination and regeneration.