However, conditions can be manipulated in such a way that the action potential from one neuron can be spread to a neighboring neuron. This was accomplished in one study in two experimental conditions: increased calcium concentrations, which lowered the threshold potential, or by submerging the axons in mineral oil, which increased resistance. While these manipulations do not reflect normal conditions, they do highlight the mechanisms behind ephaptic excitation.

Ephaptic coupling has also been found to play