Conditions are determined under which a single self-exciting neuron can reach a state of permanent excitation, in the case that the neuron develops both an excitatory and an inhibitory substance as well as in the case that it develops only a single, excitatory substance. In case both substances are developed it is possible to have periodic solutions, a possibility which does not arise when the circuit consists of neurons, or of a neuron, developing only an excitatory substance.