[Perception of chemical and temperature stimuli by the ampullae of Lorenzini in in skates]

Abstract

Recording impulse activity in single nervous fibers, studies have been made on the effect of chemical and thermal stimuli on the activity of Lorenzini ampullae in the rays Dasyatis pastinaca and Raja clavata. Application of the diluted sea water to the opening of ampullary canal increases the discharge rate of the receptors resulting into subsequent adaptation, whereas the increase in water salinity causes opposite changes. Threshold changes in the salinity of sea water amount 1--2%. Thermal transient in the sea water at the vicinity of the opening of ampullary canal did not affect the activity of the receptors. A decrease in temperature at the vicinity of receptor cells resulted in a transient rise of the firing rate of the receptors, while the increase of temperature decreased the activity of the receptors.