Summary
The specificity of the K-channels which are present in the ciliated membrane of ampullar receptors has been investigated by replacing K+ in the fluids bathing the canal with Rb+ and Cs+. Results show that, unlike Cs+, Rb+ is able to substitute K+ in maintaining the receptor function. These findings favour the hypothesis that the transduction channels which allow the receptor current to flow across sensory cell bodies are specific K-channels. The effects of Rb+ and Cs+ on primary sensory neuron endings were also studied.
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Abbreviations
- Adc :
-
slow ampullar potentials
- Ndc :
-
slow nerve potentials
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Valli, P., Zucca, G., Botta, L. et al. Specificity of the K-channels in labyrinthine organs: effects of Rb+ and Cs+ on the conversion process in frog semicircular canals. J. Comp. Physiol. 155, 739–743 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00611590
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00611590