Stimulus-response properties of the slowly adapting stretch receptor neuron of the crayfish

The receptor potential and receptor current in response to ramp-and-hold extensions were measured in the slowly adapting stretch receptor of the crayfish, using potential clamp technique. The stimulus-response relationship for the peak amplitude of the receptor current showed a linear behaviour for extensions less than 2% and a nonlinear behaviour for extensions larger than 5%. Using the Stevens power law, R = k(S--S0)n, where R is response, S is stimulus, S0 is threshold stimulus and n the power coefficient, n was found to be 3 for extensions between 5 and 15%. The receptor current saturated at extensions above 20-25% of the zero length of the muscle, resulting in a lower n value. However, the n value is difficult to define in this region due to the saturation. The stimulus-response relation for the receptor current can be explained by the properties of the stretch-activated channels for which the open probability is exponentially dependent on the square of the membrane tension, as suggested by recent findings. The receptor potential, using tetrodotoxin, in response to identical ramp-and-hold extensions as those used to record current responses showed a more complex time-course, indicating involvement of potential-dependent channels, potassium channels being the most probable candidate. This was supported by a mathematical model which takes into account the viscoelastic properties of the receptor muscle, the properties of the stretch-activated channels and a potential dependent K+ current.