Changes produced by sodium-free condition in the receptor potential of the non-myelinated terminal in pacinian corpuscles.

Abstract

The receptor potential of the non-myelinated terminal of Pacinian corpuscles, of which the lamellae had been almost removed, was recorded in normal saline and Na-deficient solutions. Af ter replacement of the saline solution immersing the terminal by choline solution the receptor potential amplitude is reduced gradually to 25-50% of the original value in 60-90 min, the time course of the reduction being much slower than that obtained by perfusion of the corpuscle. Replacement of the saline solution by Li solution caused a decrease of the receptor potential to 70% of the original value in 60-90 min. The difference in the time course of the reduction in the receptor potential in Li solution from that in choline solution indicates that Li ions can substitute for Na in generating the receptor potential. The decrease in the receptor potential in Li solution has been attributed to accumulation of Li ions inside the terminal.