Ba++ induced square-shaped potential waves in molluscan neurones.

Rhythmic slow square-shaped potential waves lasting 20-50 sec are induced in Aplysia neurones when Ca++ is replaced by Ba++. During the plateau, the membrane is highly permeable to Ba++ ions, whereas in the interwave period the membrane resistance increases by 60 times. Analysis with slow current ramps suggests that the membrane properties of Ba-treated neurones and normally burst-generating neurones are similar.