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Magnetite defines a vertebrate magnetoreceptor

Nature volume 406, pages 299–302 (2000)Cite this article

Abstract

The key behavioural, physiological and anatomical components of a magnetite-based magnetic sense have been demonstrated in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss )1. Candidate receptor cells located within a discrete sub-layer of the olfactory lamellae contained iron-rich crystals that were similar in size and shape to magnetite crystals extracted from salmon1,2. Here we show that these crystals, which mapped to individual receptors using confocal and atomic force microscopy, are magnetic, as they are uniquely associated with dipoles detected by magnetic force microscopy. Analysis of their magnetic properties identifies the crystals as single-domain magnetite. In addition, three-dimensional reconstruction of the candidate receptors using confocal and atomic force microscopy imaging confirm that several magnetic crystals are arranged in a chain of about 1 µm within the receptor, and that the receptor is a multi-lobed single cell. These results are consistent with a magnetite-based detection mechanism2,3, as 1-µm chains of single-domain magnetite crystals are highly suitable for the behavioural and physiological responses to magnetic intensity previously reported in the trout.

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Figure 1: Step-wise increase in the magnification (CLSM autofluorescent images) of the area in the olfactory lamellae where we find magnetic crystals.
Figure 2: Images of magnetic particle(s).
Figure 3: MFM images that show the response of a putative single magnetic particle (within trout tissue) in the presence of an applied field.
Figure 4: MFM image switching-field distribution.
Figure 5: Images of the magnetoreceptor cell.

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Acknowledgements

We thank K. Babcock at Digital Imaging for the generous use of the AFM/MFM. The Biological Imaging Research Unit at the School of Medicine, University of Auckland, provided the CLSM and imaging facilities. In addition, we thank S. Edgar, A. Turner, H. Holloway and especially B. Beaumont for their assistance in preparation and viewing samples on the CLSM and transmission electron microscopy. Financial support came from the Marsden Fund and the School of Biological Sciences.

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Author notes

  1. Carol E. Diebel

    Present address: Auckland Museum, Private Bag 92018, Auckland, New Zealand

  2. Roger Proksch

    Present address: Asylum Research, 601 Pine Avenue, Santa Barbara, California, 93117, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Experimental Biology Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand

    Carol E. Diebel & Michael M. Walker

  2. Magnetics Laboratory, Digital Instruments, Santa Barbara, 93117, California, USA

    Roger Proksch & Peter Neilson

  3. Department of Anatomy with Radiology School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand

    Colin R. Green

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  1. Carol E. Diebel
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Correspondence to Carol E. Diebel.

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Diebel, C., Proksch, R., Green, C. et al. Magnetite defines a vertebrate magnetoreceptor. Nature 406, 299–302 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/35018561

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