Summary
The response properties of the antennal CO2-receptors in workers ofApis mellifera L. were studied electrophysiologically by extracellular recordings from single cells.
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1.
For a proportion (>50%) of the receptors, the absolute sensitivities to CO2 are higher than previously observed.
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2.
The spontaneous spike discharge and the response to C02 are reversibly inhibited by the inert gases N2O and Xe; N2O has a marginally stronger effect than Xe.
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3.
For a gas mixture containing a given CO2-concentration above threshold the inhibition consists primarily of an increase in the response latency which is found to be proportional to the inhibitor concentration.
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4.
For a given concentration of N2O or Xe, the magnitude of this effect decreases proportionally with an increase in CO2-concentration.
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5.
A simple empirical equation for the latency as a function of the concentrations of excitatory stimulus and inhibitor is derived from the data.
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6.
It is investigated to what extent the experimental findings are consistent with kinetic models based on the law of mass-action.
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7.
It is suggested that the inhibition occurs via molecular ordering effects in the aqueous or lipid phases of either the cell membrane or the surrounding medium.
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The authors are deeply indebted to Professor Dr. G. A. Horridge, F. R. S., F. A. A. for stimulating discussions and suggestions and to Dr. J. Denburg and Miss J. Kien for many helpful comments.
Queen Elizabeth II Fellow.
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Stange, G., Diesendorf, M. The response of the honeybee antennal CO2-receptors to N2O and Xe. J. Comp. Physiol. 86, 139–158 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00702534
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00702534