COMPARISON OF STIMULUS ENERGIES REQUIRED TO ELICIT THE ERG IN RESPONSE TO X- RAYS AND TO LIGHT

Journal Article · Thu Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1962 · Journal of General Physiology (U.S.)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1085/jgp.46.2.177· OSTI ID:4758707

Bachofer, C S; Wittry, S E

The retina of Rana pipiens, the leopard or grass frog, is shown to be an extremely sensitive detector of x rays. Its sensitivity to x rays equals in some respects its sensitivity to visible light. The energy required for the response to visible light is very low. An exact comparison was made of the amount of energy required in the stimulus to elicit an electroretinogram (ERG) in response to x rays and to light. ERG's from threshold responses to maximal responses obtainable with x rays and light were reproduced. The rods of the retina are shown to be responsible for the production of the ERG. The actual amount of energy absorbed in the rhodopsin from x ray and light stimulation over a wide range of intensities and durations was determined and related to the amplitude of the ERG. The three-dimensional relationship of amplitude of response, intensity of stimulus, and duration of stimulus shows rather unexpectedly that in certain regions light is more efficient while in other regions x rays are more efficient. (P.C.H.)

• Research Organization: Univ. of Notre Dame, Ind.; and Coll. of St. Catherine, St. Paul
• NSA Number: NSA-17-013900
• OSTI ID: 4758707
• Journal Information: Journal of General Physiology (U.S.), Journal Name: Journal of General Physiology (U.S.) Vol. Vol: 46; ISSN JGPLA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ANIMALS
BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
ELECTRORETINOGRAPHY
ENERGY
EYES
FROGS
LIGHT
NERVOUS SYSTEM
RADIOSENSITIVITY
RETINA
X RADIATION