DO MELANOPHORE NERVES SHOW ANTIDROMIC RESPONSES?

Abstract

1. In Fundulus heteroclitus the dispersing melanophore nerve fibers have a relatively high threshold for faradic stimulation and a low one for stimulation by cutting. When they are protected from the competing action of the concentrating fibers, they show through the responses of their melanophores well marked antidromic activities which can also be seen to a slight degree even where the concentrating fibers are active. 2. The concentrating melanophore nerve fibers in this fish have a relatively low threshold for faradic stimulation and a high one for stimulation by cutting. They also exhibit clear antidromic responses as shown by their associated melanophores.