Electroreceptor functioning and morphology: functioning during histological fixation.
The impact of chemical fixatives on electroreceptor functioning was studied electrophysiologically. The oxidative agents KMnO4 and OsO4 eliminate the sensory response within a few seconds, leaving a disturbed spike train pattern. Glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde eliminate the sensory response gradually in a period of several minutes; after that the afferent fibre shows repetitive activity. It is concluded that the physiological state of the electroreceptor is not preserved during chemical fixation; the ultimate morphological picture will reflect an unphysiological state, i.e. the response to the fixative.
D000818:Animals; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005399:Fishes / Q000502:physiology*; D005404:Fixatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D005557:Formaldehyde / Q000494:pharmacology; D005976:Glutaral / Q000494:pharmacology; D009993:Osmium Tetroxide / Q000494:pharmacology; D011196:Potassium Permanganate / Q000494:pharmacology; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D005404:Fixatives; D011196:Potassium Permanganate; D005557:Formaldehyde; D009993:Osmium Tetroxide; D005976:Glutaral