Bioelectric measurements in the frog lens

Abstract

Three kinds of experiments are presented which suggest that fiber membranes deep in the lens are intact. In the first of these, Procion type dyes are electrophoretically infused into lenses of frogs through glass capillary microelectrodes. This dye stays within the confines of an individual fiber unless current levels are too large. In the second, double barrel microelectrodes are used to measure input resistances of individual fibers. The variability of repeat measurements from the same lens suggests different cells are being measured. Also, the charging times measured are compatible with the capacitance expected from a single lens fiber. These charging times are too brief to be compatible with the idea that the lens potential develops across a layer or two of superficial cells. In the third, potential differences profiles are measured as a glass microelectrode is driven into normal and hyperosmotic Ringer's treated lenses. In the hyperosmotic treated lenses, the electrode is found to pop in and out of individual fibers.