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Physiological and behavioral studies of changes in absolute and spectral sensitivities on spiders eyes

Research Project

Project/Area Number 03640608
Research Category

Grant-in-Aid for General Scientific Research (C)

Allocation TypeSingle-year Grants
Research Field 動物発生・生理学
Research InstitutionKyushu Institute of Design

Principal Investigator

YAMASHITA Shigeki  Kyushu Institute of Design, Faculty of Design, Professor, 芸術工学部, 教授 (30091250)

Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) ARITA Fumiko  Kyushu Institute of Design, Faculty of Design, Assistant, 芸術工学部, 教務員 (30253545)
Project Period (FY) 1991 – 1993
Project Status Completed (Fiscal Year 1993)
Budget Amount *help
¥2,100,000 (Direct Cost: ¥2,100,000)
Fiscal Year 1993: ¥500,000 (Direct Cost: ¥500,000)
Fiscal Year 1992: ¥600,000 (Direct Cost: ¥600,000)
Fiscal Year 1991: ¥1,000,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,000,000)
KeywordsSpider / Eye / Photoreceptor / Sensitivity / Cerebral Photosensitive Neuron / Efferent Fiber / Neutotransmitter / Octopamine / 感度変動 / 遠心性調節 / 走光性 / 行動調節 / ヤガ / 分光感度 / 絶対感度
Research Abstract

1. The spectral sensitivity of the ocellus in the cucumber looper moth, Anadevidia peponis, was investigated by recording electroretinograms (ERGs). The peak sensitivities were observed at 340 nm in the ultraviolet and at 520-540 nm in the green. Selective spectral adaptation revealed the existence of at least two receptor types in the ocellar retina. The ratio of green to ultraviolet sensitivities for that ocellus whose ocellar nerve was cut was higher than for an intact ocellus. It is suggested that efferent signals which control the spectral sensitivity of the ocellus are present in the ocellar nerve.
2. The effect of monochromatic light applied to the brain on the phototactic behavior of the tethered orb weaving spiders Argiope amoena and Nephila clavata was examined. It is suggested that cerebral photosensitive neurons which have a maximum sensitivity at about 440 nm play a role in phototactic behavior.
3. The photoreceptor response of the anterior lateral eyes of the orb weaving spiders, Argiope bruennichii and A.Amoena were examined by recording extracellular ERGs and intracellular receptor potentials. The eyes showed a circadian oscillation in the photoreceptor response which was mediated by efferent impulses in the optic nerve. During the "night state", the sensitivity of photoreceptors increased and the waveform of receptor potentials broadened as compared with those for the "day state". Octopamine, which has been reported as an efferent neurotransmitter of circadian rhythms in the Limulus and the scorpion eyes, mimicked endogenous efferent neurotransmission in the spider eyes, i.e., it increased the sensitivity of photoreceptors and broadened the waveform of receptor potentials. The results suggest that, in the spider eyes also, octopamine is an efferent neurotransmitter.

Report

(4 results)
  • 1993 Annual Research Report   Final Research Report Summary
  • 1992 Annual Research Report
  • 1991 Annual Research Report
  • Research Products

    (6 results)

All Other

All Publications (6 results)

  • [Publications] S.YAMAZAKI: "Efferent control in the ocellus of a noctuid moth." Journal of Comparative Physiology. 169. 647-652 (1991)

    • Description
      「研究成果報告書概要(和文)」より
    • Related Report
      1993 Final Research Report Summary
  • [Publications] S.YAMASHITA: "Effect of monochromatic illumination of the brain on phototactic behavior of orb weaving spiders,Argiope amoena and Nephila clavata." Zoological Science. 9. 887-889 (1992)

    • Description
      「研究成果報告書概要(和文)」より
    • Related Report
      1993 Final Research Report Summary
  • [Publications] Yamazaki: "Efferent control in the ocellus of a noctuid moth" Journal of Comparative Physiology. Vol.169. 647-652 (1991)

    • Description
      「研究成果報告書概要(欧文)」より
    • Related Report
      1993 Final Research Report Summary
  • [Publications] Yamashita: "Effect of monochromatic illumination of the brain on phototactic behavior of orb weaving spiders, Argiope amoena and Nephila clavata." Zoological Science. Vol.9. 887-889 (1992)

    • Description
      「研究成果報告書概要(欧文)」より
    • Related Report
      1993 Final Research Report Summary
  • [Publications] S.Yamashita: "Effect of monochromatic illumination of the brain on the phototactic behavior of orb weaving spiders,Argiope amoena and Nephila clavata" Zoological Science. 9. 887-889 (1992)

    • Related Report
      1992 Annual Research Report
  • [Publications] S.YAMAZAKI: "Efferent control in the ocellus of a noctuid moth" Journal of Comparative Physiology. 169. 647-652 (1991)

    • Related Report
      1991 Annual Research Report

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Published: 1991-04-01   Modified: 2016-04-21  

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