| Title: | Sexual behaviour in Euplotes raikovi is accompanied by pheromone-induced modifications of ionic currents |
| Author(s): | Stock C; Kr UT; Key G; Lueken W; |
| Address: | "AG Zoophysiologie, FB Biologie/Chemie, Universitat Osnabruck, Barbarastrasse 11, D-49069 Osnabruck, Germany. Krueppel@Biologie.Uni-Osnabrueck.de" |
| ISSN/ISBN: | 1477-9145 (Electronic) 0022-0949 (Linking) |
| Abstract: | "In the marine ciliate Euplotes raikovi, pheromone released by a complementary mating type (nonself pheromone) induces typical sexual behaviour, whereas self pheromone released by the same mating type generally has no effect. Nonself pheromone evokes a reduction of the mean walking speed by 66 %, a threefold increase in the frequency and duration of long-lasting rest phases and a doubling in the number of side-stepping reactions. Consequently, translocation is strongly reduced and the cells remain in a small area. This could increase the probability of finding a sexual partner for pair formation (conjugation). The usual pattern of rhythmic, spontaneous depolarizations controlling the walking rhythm is absent in nonself-pheromone-stimulated cells. The remaining depolarizations arise from a 4 mV hyperpolarized membrane potential and do not reach the usual amplitudes of 15-20 mV but only of 6-10 mV. In addition, the amplitudes of K+ currents are increased at depolarizations of more than 20 mV by at least 30 %. Hyperpolarization- and depolarization-activated Na+ current amplitudes are increased, whereas the Ca2+ current amplitude remains nearly unaffected" |
| Notes: | "PubMed-not-MEDLINEStock, C KrUPpel, T Key, G Lueken, W eng England 1999/01/23 J Exp Biol. 1999 Jan 21; 202(Pt 4):475-483. doi: 10.1242/jeb.202.4.475" |
