Mathematical expression of membrane potential based on Ling’s adsorption theory is approximately the same as the Goldman–Hodgkin–Katz equation

Abstract

The Goldman–Hodgkin–Katz equation (GHK equation), one of the most successful achievements of membrane theory in electrophysiology, can precisely predict the membrane potential. Its conceptual foundation lies in the idea that the transmembrane ion transport across the plasma membrane is responsible for the membrane potential generation. However, the potential virtually equivalent to the membrane potential is generated even across the impermeable membrane. In this work, I discus the membrane potential generation mechanism and find that the potential formula based on the long-dismissed Ling’s adsorption theory, which attributes the membrane potential generation to the mobile ion adsorption rather than the transmembrane ion transport, is the same as the GHK equation. Based on this finding, I derive a conclusion that the membrane potential is generated by the ion adsorption against the existing electrophysiological concept.