[Effect of magnesium and calcium ions on the electrical activity of Pacinian corpuscles]

The effect of magnesium and calcium ions of the electrical activity of Pacinian corpuscles was studied in isolated decapsulated preparations. The sensitivity of the corpuscles and the amplitude of receptor potential increased in magnesium-rich solution (5-15 mM). The amplitude of receptor potential increased over the first 60 min and then decreased in calcium-free EDTA solution. Magnesium ions slow down or prevent the depressant effects of the lack of calcium on the receptor potential. Divalent cations are supposed to take no part in mechano-electrical transduction conduction in Pacinian corpuscles.