Maturation of static sensitivity is related to expansion of the capsular space in rat buccal stretch receptors.
The developmental relationship between static sensitivity and structure of the buccal stretch receptor (BSR) in rats was investigated. When responses to ramp-and-hold stretches were recorded from isolated BSRs, their static sensitivities suddenly increased between 2 and 4 weeks after birth. However, no apparent change was observed throughout other developmental stages examined. Electron microscopic examination revealed a conspicuous expansion of the fluid-filled capsular space caused by completion of the outer capsule during the same postnatal period. These findings suggest that an increase in the capsular space of BSR may be involved in increasing the static sensitivity of this receptor.
Yamamoto
T
T
Department of Physiology, Tokyo Dental College, Chiba, Japan.
Ozono
S
S
Watanabe
K
K
Nagasaki
S
S
Onozuka
M
M
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D002610:Cheek / Q000294:innervation*; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008410:Masticatory Muscles / Q000254:growth & development / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology; D008465:Mechanoreceptors / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D024510:Muscle Development; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar