A theory of oscillatory instability in two-state systems in relation to nerve excitation

The oscillatory aspect in a system having two steady states is studied theoretically using a model of excitable nerve membrane. The condition for the occurrence of oscillatory instability is discussed on the basis of the kinetic picture of nerve excitation in consideration of the non-Markoffian effect caused by ion transport in the system. Small oscillations around a steady state as well as a giant fluctuation between two states are obtained. Results are compared with experiments carried out with squid giant axons perfused intracellularly.