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Journal of Experimental Biology 40,323-333 (1963)
Published by Company of Biologists 1963

Phasic Stimulation of a Thoracic Stretch Receptor in Locusts

ERIK GETTRUP ¹

¹ Zoophysiological Laboratory B, Juliane Maries Vej 36, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

1. Phasic sinusoidal and constant-velocity deformation was applied to a stretch receptor from the thorax of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria Forskål. The response was analysed with respect to the main parameters of the stimulus.

2. The stretch receptors respond to the flight movements with 1-3 potentials per wing-stroke cycle. Special interest was therefore given to the first potentials of the response. At constant frequency of stimulation the phase angle of the first potential of the response was found to be independent of changes in length and length-time parameters. The period between the two first potentials was found to be related to velocity in a rather complex way. At constant frequency, the number of impulses is a linear function of maximum displacement and/or velocity.

3. The functional significance of the relations is discussed in relation to co-ordination of flight and a hypothesis is proposed which explains the constancy of the wing-stroke period as the result of a stabilizing influence of the first potential of the response.

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