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Frequency response of the electroreceptors (“small pit organs”) of the catfish,Ictalurus nebulosus LeS

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Summary

By electrophysiologically recording the spikes from the ramus lateralis ventralis nervi vagi of the catfishIctalurus nebulosus LeS., we determined the frequency response of the electroreceptors (“small pit organs”) in unanaesthetized, freely swimming specimens. The response frequency domain we were able to measure ranged from 0,03 to 25 Hz. We found a peak of greatest sensitivity at about 3 to 7 Hz (Fi. 5), using a stimulus with a current density of 5 × 10−4μA/mm2 in water with a specific resistance of 20 Ohm. m. The threshold current density of the small pit organs in a homogeneous sinusoidally varying electric field (3 Hz) proved to be 3 × 10−5 μA/mm2.

Zusammenfassung

Durch Ableitung von Nervenimpulsen vom ramus lateralis ventralis nervi vagi beim Zwergwels,Ictalurus nebulosus LeS., versuchten wir den Frequenzbereich der Electroreceptoren (“small pit organs”) bei frei herumschwimmenden, nicht narkotisierten Tieren zu bestimmen. Der wirksame Frequenzbereich, in dem Bestimmungen vorgenommen werden konnten, erstreckte sich von 0,03 bis 25 Hz. Die Empfindlichkeitskurve der small pit organs erreichte einen Gipfel bei Frequenzen von 3–7 Hz (Fig. 5). Die Reizstromdichte betrug dabei 5 × 10−4μA/mm2; der spezifische Wasserwiderstand war 20 Ohm. m. Es stellte sich heraus, daß die Schwellenstromdichte der small pit organs im homogenen elektrischen Wechselstromfeld (3 Hz) 3 × 10−5 μA/mm2 betrug.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratorium voor Vergelijkende Fysiologie der Rijksuniversiteit Utrecht, die Niederlande

    R. C. Peters & R. J. A. Buwalda

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  1. R. C. Peters
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  2. R. J. A. Buwalda
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We wish to thank Prof. S. Dijkgraaf for his stimulating interest, and Mr. W. J. G. Loos for making the drawings.

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Peters, R.C., Buwalda, R.J.A. Frequency response of the electroreceptors (“small pit organs”) of the catfish,Ictalurus nebulosus LeS. J. Comp. Physiol. 79, 29–38 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00693616

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00693616

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