Neurophysiology

, Volume 25, Issue 5, pp 263–266 | Cite as

Reception of millimeter-band electromagnetic radiation by the ampullae of Lorenzini of skates

  • G. N. Akoev
  • V. D. Avelev
  • P. G. Semen'kov
Article
Received:

Abstract

During recording of impulse activity from single nerve fibers of electroreceptors of the ampullae of Lorenzini of skates, we studied the responses to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) at a frequency of 37–55 GHz and an intensity of 1–100 mW/cm2.

Exposure of the ampullar canal pore to EMR at an intensity of 1–5 mW/cm2 and a distance of 1–10 mm evoked a transient increase in the frequency of low-threshold receptor activity (current threshold was 0.04–0.2 µA). An increase in EMR intensity by more than 8–10 mW/cm2 produced, together with elevation of receptor activity, an inhibition due to a rise in temperature of 1–3°C in the region exposed. The phase of increase in frequency of activity was absent in high current-threshold receptors (0.3–2.0 µA) when exposed to EMR. The receptors responded to irradiation of the ampullar canal pore at a distance of 15–20 mm by an increase in discharge frequency for 20 min. Direct irradiation of the ampullae of Lorenzini induced only inhibitory responses in receptor cells regardless of their excitability.

The results obtained indicate that the sensory receptors of vertebrates are sensitive to EMR. It is concluded that the excitatory effects are due to direct reception of EMR by electroreceptors, and the inhibitory effects are related to local heating of the Lorenzini ampullar pore.

Keywords

Nerve Fiber Receptor Activity Receptor Cell Electromagnetic Radiation Inhibitory Response 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Plenum Publishing Corporation 1994

Authors and Affiliations

  • G. N. Akoev
    • 1
  • V. D. Avelev
    • 1
  • P. G. Semen'kov
    • 2
  1. 1.Pavlov Institute of PhysiologyRussian Academy of SciencesSaint PetersburgRussia
  2. 2.Kara-Dag Branch of the Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of South SeasNational Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kara-DagRepublic of Crimea, Ukraine

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