022 Re: Akbar - Inactivation of V-gated Sodium Channels

Leslie Samuel answers a question from Akbar about the inactive state of sodium channels. He explains the three states of a voltage-gated sodium channel: closed, open, and inactivated. Using a box analogy, he describes how the activation and inactivation gates function. The activation gate opens when the membrane potential becomes positive, and the inactivation gate closes automatically within milliseconds. The channel cannot be re-stimulated until it resets to the closed state. The difference between inactive and closed states is clarified, and viewers are encouraged to ask further questions.

What must happen for the sodium channel to be re-stimulated after being inactivated?

Explain the difference between the inactive state and the closed state of the sodium channel.