The Journal of General Physiology, Vol 85, 157-169, Copyright © 1985 by The Rockefeller University Press
The effect of nucleotides on the rate of spontaneous quantum bumps in Limulus ventral photoreceptors
J Stern, K Chinn, P Robinson and J Lisman
The effect of intracellular nucleotides on the rate of spontaneous quantum
bumps in Limulus ventral photoreceptors has been examined. Internal
dialysis of photoreceptors with solutions lacking nucleotide leads to an
elevation of the quantum bump rate that can be reversed by introduction of
nucleotide. Similarly, elevation occurs after treating intact cells with
the metabolic inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose. This effect can be reversed by
intracellular injection of ATP. The rate of spontaneous quantum bumps in
unpoisoned cells can be reduced to below normal levels by injection of ATP.
These results support the hypothesis that high-energy nucleotides suppress
the rate of spontaneous quantum bumps.