Abstract

Impulses from single electroreceptors (small pit organs) of catfish (Ictalurus nebulosus) were recorded during stimulation by square pulses. Solutions with different concentrations of potassium, sodium, and calcium ions were applied to the pore of the receptor. Solutions with a low CaCl2 concentration did not alter the responses of the receptor. Calcium ions in concentrations of over 5 mM increased the threshold of the response to electrical stimulation. The threshold to anodal stimulation was increased in solutions of 2 mM sodium and potassium and no response was given to a cathodal stimulus. The effect of 2 mM solutions of NaCl and KCl was abolished by the addition of 0.4 mM CaCl2 or by application of a long anodal stimulus of high intensity (10−8∓10−7 A/mm2). Increasing the potassium ion concentration to 10–20 mM restored normal receptor function but a further increase led to elevation of the threshold. The action of an electric current is compared with the action of the ions.

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