Repolarization

In neuroscience, repolarization refers to the change in membrane potential that returns it to a negative value just after the depolarization phase of an action potential has changed the membrane potential to a positive value. The repolarization phase usually returns the membrane potential back to the resting membrane potential. The efflux of K⁺ ions results in the falling phase of an action potential. The ions pass through the selectivity filter of the K⁺ channel pore. There are several K⁺ channels that contribute to repolarization, including A-type channels, delayed rectifiers, and Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels.

Repolarization typically results from the movement of positively charged K⁺ ions out of the cell. The repolarization phase of an action potential initially results in hyperpolarization, attainment of a membrane potential, termed the afterhyperpolarization, that is more negative than the resting potential. Repolarization usually takes several milliseconds.