Intersymbol interference in axonal transmission

The relative refractory period of an action potential affects any second closely following impulse. Starting with the constraining conjecture that consecutive action potentials produce minimal interference with each other, we investigate the twin-pulse maximum frequency. Using an updated version of the Hodgkin–Huxley squid giant axon, this constrained maximum firing frequency varies with transmembrane conductance density and diameter. Using the twin-pulse constraint and keeping velocity constant, smaller, higher-conductance density axons are generally preferred to larger, lower-conductance density ones.