Abstract
Bumps were recorded in Limulus ventral nerve photoreceptor as deflections in membrane voltage during 10 s illuminations by dim light which were repeated every 20 s. The bump amplitude vs frequency distribution and its dependence on the intensity of a preadapting light flash are described. Light adaptation which diminishes the average bump amplitude alters the character of the bump amplitude distribution from a curve with a convex region to a continuously falling concave curve. Weak light adaptation can increase frequency (and height) of the bumps elicited by constant stimuli. Raising the external Ca2+-concentration from 10 to 40 mmol/l augments the effect of a preadapting light flash in diminishing the bump amplitudes and also increases the bump frequency.
The results are consistent with the assumptions
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that light adaptation is based on a Ca2+-dependent reduction of the amplification factor which determines the bump size and
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that the coupling between light induced rhodopsin reactions and bump generation is Ca2+-dependent.
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This study was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 160)
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Stieve, H., Bruns, M. Dependence of bump rate and bump size in Limulus ventral nerve photoreceptor on light adaptation and calcium concentration. Biophys. Struct. Mechanism 6, 271–285 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00538228
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00538228