Properties of barnacle photoreceptor cells in culture

1. Properties of median photoreceptor cells in cultured ocelli from the giant barnacle (Balanus nubilus) were compared in isolated ocelli, ocelli maintained with the supraesophageal ganglion, and fresh ocelli. 2. Cultured photoreceptor cells exhibited slight deterioration after 2-4 weeks. Cell bodies maintained their structure but apparently lost some dendrites. Electron micrographs revealed fewer rhabdomeres. Axons did not degenerate. 3. Intracellularly recorded responses to light in both cultured preparations were qualitatively normal with a small decrease in sensitivity and increase in input resistance. The waveforms of the light responses were normal. 4. The characteristic shadow reflex was maintained after 6 weeks.