LIGHT ENERGY CONVERSION IN NEURONAL MEMBRANES,
Abstract
Photocurrents and decrease in membrane resistance were shown by illuminating pigmented nerve cells, and vitally stained nerve fibers. Light effects on electrogenic membrane were compared to those of IR. Both radiations decrease, with different yields, the membrane resistance. However, the initiated membrane currents are generally of opposite directions. Similarly, opposite direction photocurrents are elicited by specific illuminations of 2 intracellular pigments, haemoprotein or carotenoid, in some nerve cells. From spectrographic, respirometric and oscillographic evidences, the molecular mechanisms implied in the light energy conversion into membrane photocurrent can be considered as follows: (1) Release of electrons and hydrogen ions from dyes or natural pigments in molecular association with lipoproteins; secondary reactions of e and H+ with acceptors, i.e., dyes or oxygen; (2) Secondary changes in adsorption bonds between dyes or pigments and associated lipoproteins resulting in changes in molecular orientations; and (3) Directional fluxes of e, H(+), and other ions, imitating fluxes elicited under a cathode during direct current flow. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 27, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0621413
Entities
People
- N. Chalazonitis
Organizations
- National Center for Scientific Research