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Journal of Experimental Biology 34,486-493 (1957)
Published by Company of Biologists 1957

A Temperature Receptor in the Tarsus of the Cockroach, Periplaneta Americana

G. A. KERKUT ¹ and B. J. R. TAYLOR ¹

¹ Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, The University of Southampton

1. This paper describes the electrical responses of the isolated limb of the cockroach following localized warming and cooling.

2. There is a temperature-sensitive region in the pad between the claws, and in the first, second, third and fourth tarsal segments (the arolium and the pulvilli).

3. The preparation becomes more active when the temperature is lowered below 13° C. The activity increases as the temperature drop increases. It thus behaves like a cold receptor.

4. The preparation is sensitive to a drop in temperature of 1° C. over the critical range below 13° C.

5. The preparation is stimulated by warming it approximately 5° C. in the range 0-28° C., but the activity lasts for only a short time.

6. Warming the preparation above 30° C. brings about considerable prolonged electrical activity.