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Science 2 December 1966:
Vol. 154. no. 3753, pp. 1199 - 1201
DOI: 10.1126/science.154.3753.1199
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Articles

Simple Photoreceptors in Limulus polyphemus

Ronald Millecchia 1, Jack Bradbury 1, and Alexander Mauro 1

1 Rockefeller University, New York 10021

The "olfactory nerve," the endoparietal eye, and the rudimentary lateral eyes of Limulus (polyphemus) contain simple photoreceptor cells that duplicate many of the electrical responses of the retinular cells of the lateral eye; the responses are a receptor potential consisting of aninitial transient phase and a subsequent steady phase,low-amplitude fluctuations, and a small locally regenerative response to pulses of both light and current. Photic stimulation does not induce conducted action potentials, but does increase the membrane conductance. The receptor potentialrequires the presence of sodium ions in the external medium. Measurements of action and absorption spectra indicate a photopigment whose maximum absorption is of light with wavelength of 535 nanometers. The functional significance of these cells has not been ascertained.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Photoreception in a Barnacle: Electrophysiology of the Shadow Reflex Pathway in Balanus cariosus.
R. Millecchia and G. F. Gwilliam (1972)
Science 177, 438-441
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Current-Voltage Relations during Illumination: Photoreceptor Membrane of a Barnacle.
H. M. Brown, R. W. Meech, H. Koike, and S. Hagiwara (1969)
Science 166, 240-243
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A Hyperpolarizing Component of the Receptor Potential in the Median Ocelius of Limulus.
J. Nolte, J. E. Brown, and T. G. Smith Jr. (1968)
Science 162, 677-679
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Conductance Changes Associated with Receptor Potential in Limulus Photoreceptors.
T. G. Smith, W. K. Stell, and J. E. Brown (1968)
Science 162, 454-456
   Abstract »    PDF »
A Role for the Sodium Pump in Photoreception in Limulus.
T. G. Smith, W. K. Stell, J. E. Brown, J. A. Freeman, and G. C. Murray (1968)
Science 162, 456-458
   Abstract »    PDF »
Photoelectric Potential from Photoreceptor Cells in Ventral Eye of Limulus.
J. E. Brown, J. R. Murray, and T. G. Smith (1967)
Science 158, 665-666
   Abstract »    PDF »
Tetrodotoxin Blocks a Graded Sensory Response in the Eye of Limulus.
R. M. Benolken and C. J. Russell (1967)
Science 155, 1576-1577
   Abstract »    PDF »
Intracellular Absorption Difference Spectrum of Limulus Extra-Ocular Photolabile Pigment.
G. C. Murray (1966)
Science 154, 1182-1183
   Abstract »    PDF »


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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)