Skip to main content
Log in

Effects of calcium on afferent responses of the ampullae of Lorenzini

  • Published:
Pflügers Archiv Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

Afferent responses in single-fibre and multi-fibre preparations from isolated ampullae of Lorenzini to various concentrations of ionic calcium (from 0.2 g/l to 5.0 g/l) were investigated in the dogfish (Scylliorhinus canicula).

At constant temperature (12.3° C), calcium concentrations between 0.2 and 1.6 g/l were practically ineffective. Concentrations between 1.8 and 5.0 g/l inhibited the static impulse discharge for time periods up to several minutes depending on the calcium charge. Concentration and diffusion parameters were decisive for the amount as well as the temporal course of this inhibition. Additional thermal or mechanical stimulation led to an answer superimposed on the effects of calcium. Calcium-free fluids produced a slight increase in average impulse rate.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Brink, F.: The role of calcium ions in neural processes. Pharmacol. Rev.6, 243–298 (1954).

    Google Scholar 

  • Dijkgraaf, S.: Biological significane of the lateral line organs. In: Lateral line detectors. P. H. Cahn (ed.). Bloomington-London: Indiana University Press 1967.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fitzgerald, O.: Discharges from the sensory organs of the cat's vibrissae and the modification in their activity by ions. J. Physiol. (Lond.)98, 163–178 (1940).

    Google Scholar 

  • Forster, R. P., Taggart, J. V.: Use of isolated renal tubules for the examination of metabolic processes associated with active cellular transport. J. cell. comp. Physiol.36, 251 (1950).

    Google Scholar 

  • Frankenhaeuser, B., Hodgkin, A. L.: The action of calcium on the electrical properties of squid axons. J. Physiol. (Lond.)137, 218–244 (1957).

    Google Scholar 

  • Fühner, H.: Speisungsflüssigkeit für Selachierherzen. Z. allg. Physiol.8, 485–492 (1908).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hensel, H.: Quantitative Beziehungen zwischen Temperaturreiz und Aktionspotentialen der Lorenzinischen Ampullen. Z. vergl. Physiol.37, 509–526 (1955).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hensel, H.: Die Wirkung thermischer und mechanischer Reize auf die Lorenzinischen Ampullen der Selachier. Pflügers Arch. ges. Physiol.263, 48–53 (1956).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hensel, H., Nier, K.: Integrated static activity of the ampullae of Lorenzini after long-term exposure to various temperatures. Pflügers Arch.323, 279–283 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hodgkin, A. L., Katz, B.: The effect of sodium ions on the electrical activity of the giant axon of the squid. J. Physiol. (Lond.)108, 37–77 (1949).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kalmijn, A. J.: The electric sense of sharks and rays. J. exp. Biol.55, 371–383 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  • Loewenstein, W. R., Ishiko, N.: Sodium chloride sensitivity and electrochemical effects in a Lorenzinian ampulla. Nature (Lond.)194, 292–294 (1962).

    Google Scholar 

  • Lyman, J., Fleming, R. H.: Composition of sea-water. J. Mar. Res.3, 134 (1940).

    Google Scholar 

  • Murray, R. W.: Evidence for a mechanoreceptive function of the ampullae of Lorenzini. Nature (Lond.)179, 106–107 (1957).

    Google Scholar 

  • Murray, R. W.: The response of the ampullae of Lorenzini to combined stimulation by temperature change and weak direct currents. J. Physiol. (Lond.)145, 1–13 (1959).

    Google Scholar 

  • Murray, R. W.: The response of the ampullae of Lorenzini of elasmobranchs to mechanical stimulation. J. exp. Biol.37, 417–424 (1960).

    Google Scholar 

  • Murray, R. W.: The response of the ampullae of Lorenzini of elasmobranchs to electrical stimulation. J. exp. Biol.39, 119–128 (1962).

    Google Scholar 

  • Murray, R. W.: Electroreceptor mechanisms: The relation of impulse frequency to stimulus strength and responses to pulsed stimuli in the ampullae of Lorenzini of elasmobranchs. J. Physiol. (Lond.)180, 592–606 (1965).

    Google Scholar 

  • Schreiner, H. J.: Das Wärmegefühl nach Calciuminjektionen. Inaug.-Diss., Göttingen 1936.

  • Smith, K. R., Creech, B. J.: Effects of pharmacological agents on the physiological responses of hair discs. Exp. Neurol.19, 477–482 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

This investigation was supported by grant from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Nier, K., Hensel, H. Effects of calcium on afferent responses of the ampullae of Lorenzini. Pflugers Arch. 338, 281–287 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00586069

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00586069

Key words

Navigation