title: X-ray induced behavioral reactions and detection mechanisms in the shrimp.
abstract: Red Ghost Shrimp, Callianassa californiensis, were shown from behavioral and electrophysiological studies to respond to ionizing radiation. When exposed to X-rays at 52 R/sec, the majority of intact animals could detect and avoid further irradiation by escaping into a shielded section of the test chamber. Animals continued to display escape responses after removal of eyestalks and antennae. Significant avoidance activity also occurred with partial-body exposure and indicated the existence of a radiation-sensitive receptor on the abdomen. Electroretinograms elecited by beta- and X-radiation sources corresponded closely with the waveforms produced by visible light stimulation. Electroantennograms were recorded from isolated antennules following stimulation with glutamic acid, beta-, and X-radiation. Biphasic on-off phases were recorded with an intermediate phase present during the longer duration exposures. Similarly, bioelectrical potentials were recorded from swimmeret preparations with exposure to beta- and X-radiation. The electrophysiological evidence indicates that the eye, antennules, and possibly chemoreceptors on the abdominal segments serve as routes for detection of ionizing radiations.
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000528:radiation effects*; D002628:Chemoreceptor Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003623:Dark Adaptation; D033364:Decapoda / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004594:Electrophysiology; D004924:Escape Reaction / Q000528:radiation effects; D005123:Eye / Q000528:radiation effects; D005971:Glutamates / Q000494:pharmacology; D008027:Light; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000528:radiation effects; D009799:Ocular Physiological Phenomena; D010786:Photoreceptor Cells / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011830:Radiation Effects; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000528:radiation effects; D014965:X-Rays
chemical_list: D005971:Glutamates