Electroreceptor functioning and morphology: functioning during histological fixation

The impact of chemical fixatives on electroreceptor functioning was studied electrophysiologically. The oxidative agents KMnO4 and OsO4 eliminate the sensory response within a few seconds, leaving a disturbed spike train pattern. Glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde eliminate the sensory response gradually in a period of several minutes; after that the afferent fibre shows repetitive activity. It is concluded that the physiological state of the electroreceptor is not preserved during chemical fixation; the ultimate morphological picture will reflect an unphysiological state, i.e. the response to the fixative.