Ionic Mechanisms Sustaining Activity in Ampullar Receptors of the Frog

Abstract

Ionic mechanisms sustaining sensory transduction in crista ampullaris sensory cells have been investigated chiefly by replacing the endolymph with solutions with K⁺ and Ca⁺⁺ chelators added. The effects of the modified solutions were evaluated by extracellular and intracellular recordings of both the presynaptic and postsynaptic activity of ampullar receptors. The results strongly suggest that the receptor current in labyrinthine cells is carried exclusively by K⁺. Moreover evidence are reported indicating that the transducer membrane in ampullar receptors is provided with Ca⁺⁺ sensitive potassium channels whose opening is depending on free Ca⁺⁺ released from cupular structures during excitatory deflections.