ISSN:
0095-9898
Keywords:
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Each interpseudotracheal papilla on the oral surface of the labellum of the blowfly contains four bipolar neurons. An electrophysiological analysis has shown that one of these cells is a receptor which responds specifically to carbohydrates. The response consists of a rapid initial discharge which typically adapts to one-half maximum frequency in 300-400 msec. The response remains normal even in the presence of choline chloride (1.5-2.0 M), NaCl (0.01-2.0 M), and CaCl2 (0.01-1.0 M). The various sugars tested showed the following order of increasing effectiveness: sorbitol 〈 sorbose 〈 inositol 〈 fucose 〈 arabinose 〈 glucose 〈 sucrose 〈 fructose. Mannose, a nutritive sugar, is non-stimulating. D-arabinose, an acceptable sugar, is more stimulating than L-arabinose, an unacceptable sugar. L-arabinose, in contrast to D-, also stimulates other neurons in the papilla.Another cell responds when the electrode contains salt or certain carbohydrates such as L-arabinose. It is believed that its activity initiates behavioral rejection of compounds. It does not exhibit a high initial discharge or adaptation but waxes and wanes randomly. Its response to monovalent and divalent cations is similar although the latter produces volleys of high frequency.Mechanical deformation causes an increase in frequency of a third spike. Mechanosensitive units may be classified by their responses into three classes: push, pull, or push-pull.No evidence for a water receptor was found.
Additional Material:
15 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jcp.1030650112
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