Sensitivity Changes of Auxin Transport System in Maize Coleoptile Segments

In maize coleoptile segments where auxin transport capacity decreases with time following excision, susceptability of the tissue to transport inhibitors such as N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA), 3,4,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) or high concentrations of IAA was found to be rather increased. A time-dependent increase in the sensitivity to NPA can be postulated since the dose-response curve for NPA was shifted in the‘aged’tissue to the left (i.e. lower concentration). Preincubation of the tissue at a low temperature abolished the time-dependent sensitivity change, suggesting that cellular metabolism could be involved. The NPA-sensitive state was also brought about by calcium depletion of the tissue, which can be partially reversed by addition of calcium. Presence of exogenous IAA in the preincubation medium kept the auxin transport system from decay, implicating auxin as an endogenous controlling factor. Results of our experiments indicate a reversible, time-dependent changes of auxin transport system in which transport capacity and sensitivity to NPA are tightly coupled. Changes in the sensitivity to NPA were also seen in auxin action as well.