Generator potential of crotaline snake infrared receptor.

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Abstract
Three types of electric potentials were recorded from the receptor membrane of the infrared receptor (facial pit) of crotaline snakes in response to infrared radiation down to 2.7 u in wavelength: spike potentials, a slow potential change, and spikes superimposed on the slow-potential change. The slow potential was normally -500 mv with -1 mv spikes. It was also recorded in a positive direction with 3-mv spikes. This slow potential was judged to be the generator potential of the infrared receptor because it was graded in proportion to the stimulus; was nonpropagated and recordable only from the membrane; and was directly connected with the production of action potentials. The response threshold of this generator potential was calculated to be 0.1 mw/cm2 from an incandescent source.

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