[Mechanism of perception of magnetic field changes by the ampullae of Lorenzini of elasmobranchs].

Investigating the impulse activity from single nerve fibres connected with Lorenzinian ampullae in Black Sea skates, the mechanisms of changing magnetic field detection were studied. It was shown that the receptor to magnetic stimulation were caused by induction of electric currents in fish body or sea water. The peculiarities of receptor responses enable the animal to differ magnetic stimuli from any other stimuli. An increase in fish receptor reaction to magnetic stimulation near the "coast" of the tank was observed. The biological significance of magnetic detection by the Lorenzini ampullae is discussed.