Dopamine modulates S-potential amplitude and dye-coupling between external horizontal cells in carp retina

Dopaminergic amacrine cells in the retina of Japanese dace

The morphological and physiological identification of the cells in the inner retina of Japanese dace was made by means of intracellular single cell recording and dye injection techniques. Our flat mounts and physiological classification revealed that 97 out of 102 sample cells were amacrine cells except for 3 transient neurons possibly being ganglion cells. Only two cells were identified as interplexiform cells. The double-labeling histochemical technique showed that 17 cells including the two interplexiform cells are dopaminergic neurons. Therefore, 15 of 97 amacrine cells in dace retina were dopaminergic cells, a finding which is different from the previously published data.

cAMP increases junctional conductance and stimulates phosphorylation of the 27-kDa principal gap junction polypeptide

Membrane-permeant cAMP derivatives (dibutyryl- and 8-bromo-cAMP) increase gap-junctional conductance within minutes when applied to voltage-clamped pairs of rat hepatocytes. Glucagon also increases junctional conductances, but the response has a more rapid onset and is more rapidly reversible. The glucagon effect can be prevented by intracellular injection of the protein inhibitor of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (Walsh inhibitor), indicating that the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase is directly involved. The 27-kDa major gap junction polypeptide is phosphorylated when liver cells dissociated into small groups are incubated with 32P. Addition of 8-bromo-cAMP to cells increases the incorporation of 32P into the 27-kDa junctional protein. Serine is the amino acid residue that is phosphorylated. When isolated liver gap junctions are incubated in the presence of catalytic subunit of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase, the 27-kDa gap junction polypeptide is phosphorylated with low stoichiometry on serine. The rapid increases in gap junctional conductance caused by agents that elevate cAMP and phosphorylation of the gap junction protein by cAMP-dependent protein kinase suggest that cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of the gap junction channel modulates the conductance of liver gap junctions.

Single inward rectifier channels in horizontal cells

The ion channels responsible for inward rectification in horizontal cells were studied using the patch clamp technique applied to isolated cells from goldfish retina. Inward currents recorded from these cells were identified as due to the opening of inward rectifier channels based on their ion selectivity, channel gating behavior, and the effects of external blocking ions. The single channel conductance was 20 pS in 125 mM external K+. The null current potential shifted with changes in the K+ concentration as expected for a channel permeable to K+, and the channel appeared to have little permeability to Na+. The probability of a channel being in an open state increased as the membrane was hyperpolarized from the K+ equilibrium potential (0 to -10 mV) over potentials ranging to -80 mV, in the presence of external Na+. The closing rate was insensitive to membrane potential in the presence of external Na+. The opening rate of the channel increased as the membrane was hyperpolarized. The increase in the probability of a channel being open at negative potentials was therefore caused by the voltage sensitivity of the rate of channel opening.

Dopaminergic regulation of GABA release from the intact goldfish retina

The rate of release of [3H]GABA from intact goldfish retinas was studied using a modified superfusion technique. Small, significant increases in the rate of GABA release were observed when the retinas were exposed to dopamine (DA) (100-1000 microM); however, when free Ca2+ was removed from the medium, the basal rate of GABA release was increased and DA became inhibitory. Forskolin, a non-specific stimulator of adenylate cyclase in intact cells, also inhibited GABA release in the absence of Ca2+. There was no significant effect of forskolin in the presence of Ca2+; however, (+)-butaclamol, a dopamine antagonist, increased basal GABA release under these conditions. L-glutamic acid (L-Glu) (1-10 mM) causes up to a 10-fold increase in GABA release. In the presence of Ca2+, DA did not significantly alter the effects of L-Glu; however, in the absence of Ca2+ a significant inhibition of the effects of L-Glu by DA was observed. Forskolin, on the other hand, inhibited the effects of L-Glu both in the presence and absence of Ca2+. Finally, EGTA (0.3-1 mM) produced a large release of GABA: this release was inhibited by DA, forskolin, theophylline, and 8-bromo cyclic AMP. These results suggest a model wherein DA stimulates Ca2+-dependent GABA release from one site and inhibits Ca2+-independent GABA release from another site via a cyclic AMP-mediated event.

Is the C-terminal arm of lens gap junction channel protein the channel gate?

Lens gap junction channels are studied in a reconstituted system obtained by incorporating into liposomes, with or without calmodulin, the lens junction protein (MIP26) and its trypsin-cleaved product (MIP21) that lacks the C-terminal arm. Channel permeability is studied with an osmotic swelling assay. MIP26 and MIP21 liposomes swell in sucrose or polyethyleneglycol with or without Ca++ indicating the presence of large channels. Without Ca++, MIP26 and MIP21 liposomes swell in both permeants. With Ca++, MIP26-calmodulin liposomes do not swell in either permeant, indicating complete channel closure, while MIP21-calmodulin liposomes swell in sucrose but not in polyethyleneglycol. This suggests that the C-terminal arm participates in channel gating.

Spatial orientation of horizontal cell axon terminals in the carp retina

In flatmounts of the carp (Cyprinus carpio) retina, 646 horizontal cells were singly marked by intracellular Lucifer yellow CH (LY) in the presence of dopamine or amphetamine, agents which were useful for restricting LY to single injected cells. Most axon terminals of cone-connected horizontal cells have a tendency to orient either radially or tangentially in the retinal field with respect to the optic disc as a center. Although the fluorescent cellular (dendritic field) area greatly varied depending upon the cell type (L-, RG- and YRB-type), the lengths of the axonal processes (axon plus terminal) were all comparable (400-600 microns). A few cells (4.1% of cells with visible axons) possessed a bifurcate axon with two axon terminals. Axons were not observed on rod-connected horizontal cells. The cellular area and the axonal length of L- and RG-type cells appeared to be smaller in the central than in the intermediate region of the retinal field.

Single-channel currents of an intercellular junction

We have used a double whole-cell patch-clamp system to make the first quantitative recordings of the single-channel current from an intercellular junction, presumably a gap junction. The junctional channel has various conductance states and discriminates poorly between cations and anions. It seems to change slowly from one conductance state to another.

Opposite effects of ammonia and carbon dioxide on dye coupling between horizontal cells in the carp retina

Effects of ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) on the membrane potential of horizontal cells and on dye coupling between the cells in isolated retinas of the carp (Cyprinus carpio) were investigated. Ammonia (less than 300 ppm NH3 in air) initially depolarized and subsequently hyperpolarized, while CO2 (10% in air) hyperpolarized the membrane potential of horizontal cells, accompanied by a diminution of both center and surround responses to spot and annular light stimuli. During the course of amplitude diminution, the center response consistently became smaller with NH3 and larger with CO2 than the surround response. In the presence of intravitreally applied DA (50 microM) or amphetamine (100 microM), a fluorescent dye Lucifer Yellow CH (LY) was found to be restricted to single injected horizontal cells. The presence of intravitreal haloperidol (100 microM) for 20-25 min or an exposure of the retina to NH3 for 5-10 min diffused the restricted LY from single injected cells to numerous neighboring cells. On the other hand, CO2 was found to restrict the injected dye to single cells, an effect similar to that of DA and opposite to that of NH3 and haloperidol. The results suggest that NH3 appears to act as a coupler while CO2 acts as an uncoupler on gap junctions between horizontal cells in the carp retina, presumably by changing the intracellular pH. In addition, a brief exposure of cells, marked with LY in the presence of DA, to the exciting light 426 nm was found to prevent the NH3-induced dye diffusion from single cells to their neighbors; the reason is unknown.

Dopamine decreases conductance of the electrical junctions between cultured retinal horizontal cells

Horizontal cells from the white perch were isolated by enzymatic treatment and trituration of the retina and were maintained in culture for 1-5 days. Overlapping pairs of horizontal cells were identified, and the two cells were recorded from simultaneously, using whole-cell patch clamp techniques. Electrical coupling between cells was determined by passing current pulses into one cell, the driver cell, while (i) recording voltage changes in the other, follower cell, or (ii) measuring current flow into the follower cell. Most cell pairs of the same morphological type were coupled electrically, with coupling coefficients often greater than 0.9. Junctional resistance was typically found to be between 20 and 60 M omega and junctional conductance was between 150 and 500 nS. After application of 1-microliter pulses of dopamine (200 microM) to coupled pairs of cells, the coupling coefficient fell to approximately equal to 0.1, junctional resistance increased to 300-700 M omega, and junctional conductance decreased to 15-30 nS. Recovery of coupling took, for most cell pairs tested, 8-15 min after dopamine application. The exogenous application of 8-bromo-cyclic AMP (0.5-1 mM) also caused uncoupling of horizontal cell pairs; however, neither isoprenaline nor L-glutamate altered coupling significantly.

L-Glutamate depolarizes ON-OFF transient type of amacrine cells in the carp retina: an ionophoretic study

Amacrine cells generating the ON-OFF transient type of photoresponse, which is most frequently encountered, were identified by intracellular recording and staining with a fluorescent dye Lucifer Yellow in the carp (Cyprinus carpio) retina. L-Glutamate applied ionophoretically slowly depolarized the amacrine cells by about 10 mV and reduced their photoresponses during the application. Such changes gradually recovered following the cessation of L-glutamate injection. The results indicate that this amino acid directly activates the ON-OFF type amacrine cells.

Dopamine inhibits calcium-independent gamma-[3H]aminobutyric acid release induced by kainate and high K+ in the fish retina

Kainic acid (KA) at micromolar concentrations stimulated the release of gamma-[3H]aminobutyric acid [( 3H]GABA) from a particulate fraction of the carp (Cyprinus carpio) retina. The KA action was dose-dependent but Ca2+-independent. A similar response was elicited by another glutamate receptor agonist, quisqualic acid, and high K+, but not by an aspartate agonist, N-methyl-D-aspartic acid. The stimulatory action of KA on the [3H]GABA release was selectively blocked by the KA blockers gamma-D-glutamylglycine and cis-2,3-piperidine dicarboxylic acid. Dopamine (DA), which is contained in DA interplexiform cells in the carp retina, inhibited the [3H]GABA release induced by KA and high K+ in a dose-dependent manner. 5-Hydroxytryptamine and two well-known GABA antagonists, bicuculline (Bic) and picrotoxin (Pic), also mimicked the DA effect on the GABA release at a comparable concentration. This inhibitory effect of DA as well as Bic and Pic on the [3H]GABA release evoked by KA was clearly antagonized by a DA blocker, haloperidol. The action of these agents (KA, DA, GABA antagonist) belonging to three different receptor categories on the GABAergic neurons (possibly external horizontal cells; H1 cells) is discussed in relation to other electrophysiological studies on the lateral spread of S-potentials between H1 cells.

Evoked efflux of [3H]GABA from goldfish retina in the dark

H1 horizontal cells of goldfish retina probably are GABAergic and receive synaptic excitation from red cone photoreceptors in the dark. This study was designed to detect efflux of [3H]GABA from H1 cells by a physiological stimulus in order to obtain information regarding the identity of the red cone transmitter and obtain information on the role of dopaminergic interplexiform cells (DA-IPCs), the other synaptic input to H1 cells. Efflux of [3H]GABA was studied by biochemical analysis of perfused isolated retinas. Retinas were incubated in dim red light for 15 min in 0.72 microM [3H]GABA, rinsed for 30 min in red light and subjected to darkness under a variety of conditions. Radioactivity in the perfusate was determined by liquid scintillation spectroscopy. The findings are: 1. both L-glutamate and L-aspartate cause a dose-dependent efflux of [3H]GABA from H1 cells, 2. inclusion of 3.2 mM D-aspartate in the perfusion medium potentiates L-glutamate and totally inhibits L-aspartate, 3. retinas perfused in the standard Ringer do not show increased [3H]GABA efflux when placed in the dark, 4. when 3.2 mM D-aspartate is in the perfusion medium, there is significant dark-induced [3H]GABA efflux which is reduced with light onset, 5. 100 microM dopamine inhibits the dark-induced efflux of [3H]GABA. These results show that efflux of [3H]GABA from H1 cells can be detected under physiological conditions strongly suggesting that the H1 cell is GABAergic and, in addition, is subject to antagonistic inputs from red cones and DA-IPCs. Furthermore, since D-aspartate potentiates L-glutamate and inhibits L-aspartate, and is required for the detection of dark-induced efflux of [3H]GABA, it is unlikely that the transmitter for red cones is L-aspartate but more likely is L-glutamate.

Gap junctions between non-pyramidal cell dendrites in the rat hippocampus (CA1 and CA3 regions): a combined Golgi-electron microscopy study

Non-pyramidal cells in the rat hippocampus were examined with a combined Golgi-electron microscopic method. The somata of non-pyramidal cells were ovoid, about 15 X 30 micron, and several smooth and/or varicose dendrites extended from them. With electron microscopy, Golgi-impregnated gold-toned non-pyramidal cells showed distinctive fine structural features. The somata displayed large nuclei and an extensive perikaryal cytoplasm. The nuclei showed extensive cytoplasmic invaginations, little heterochromatin, conspicuous nucleoli, and intranuclear rods composed of filamentous bundles. The perikaryal cytoplasm was rich in cell organelles such as well-developed cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, and numerous clusters of free ribosomes and mitochondria. Many synaptic boutons, most of which formed asymmetrical synapses, impinged upon the somata and dendrites. Gap junctions were seen on varicose dendrites of Golgi-impregnated non-pyramidal cells. These gap junctions were patch-like, about 0.1-0.6 micron in diameter, and situated in the stratum radiatum or stratum oriens of the CA1 and CA3 regions 70-230 micron from the soma. They displayed a characteristic cytoplasmic semidense material undercoating the junctional membranes. The gap junctions were usually formed between impregnated and unimpregnated varicose dendrites. Thirteen of a total of 22 gap junctions involving the impregnated dendrites were situated singly, whereas the remaining nine were on four impregnated dendrites in clusters of two or three side by side. In the latter cases, two pairs of junctions were formed between pairs of dendrites running parallel to each other, and each of the other two pairs was formed among three dendrites, appearing to make a dendritic network bridged by gap junctions. One gap junction was seen between two impregnated dendrites originating from two identified Golgi-impregnated non-pyramidal cells. These observations revealed unequivocally that non-pyramidal cells in the hippocampus form gap junctions with one another on their dendrites.

A bifurcate axon of horizontal cells in the carp retina

In flatmounts of the carp retina, among 368 cone-connected horizontal cells, which were singly marked by intracellular Lucifer yellow under various experimental conditions, 15 cells (4.1%) were found to possess a bifurcate axon and two terminals. The lengths of single and bifurcate axonal processes (an axon plus its terminal) are all comparable, ranging from 400 to 600 micron.

The distribution of photoreceptors, dopaminergic amacrine cells and ganglion cells in the retina of the North American opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

Quantitative light microscopic techniques have been applied to photoreceptors, ganglion cells and dopaminergic amacrine cells in the retina of the North American opossum Didelphis virginiana. This marsupial has a retina with a central areal specialization where ganglion cells reach a maximum density of 2900/mm2 and cone photoreceptors are concentrated. However, the retina is very much rod dominated and there is a ring of peak rod density approximately 2 mm around the area centralis (a.c.). At the a.c. the cone to rod ratio is 1:50 while in peripheral retina it is 1:120. Dopaminergic amacrines, revealed by induced fluorescence (Fa/Glu) techniques are extremely numerous in opossum retina reaching a peak density at the a.c. and distributed in a high density plateau covering much of tapetal superior retina. Opossum retina is compared to mammalian retinas, particularly cats, with the aim of understanding the evolution of mammalian retinal circuits.

Two dopamine receptors: biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology

In 1979, two categories of dopamine (DA) receptors (designated as D-1 and D-2) were identified on the basis of the ability of a limited number of agonists and antagonists to discriminate between these two entities. In the past 5 years agonists and antagonists selective for each category of receptor have been identified. Using these selective drugs it has been possible to attribute the effects of DA upon physiological and biochemical processes to the stimulation of either a D-1 or a D-2 receptor. Thus, DA-induced enhancement of both hormone release from bovine parathyroid gland and firing of neurosecretory cells in the CNS of Lymnaea stagnalis has been attributed to stimulation of a D-1 receptor. Likewise, the DA-induced inhibition of the release of prolactin and alpha-MSH from the pituitary gland, as well as of acetylcholine, DA and beta-endorphin from brain, the DA-induced inhibition of chemo-sensory discharge in rabbit carotid body and the DA-induced hyperpolarization of neurosecretory cells in the CNS of Lymnaea stagnalis have been attributed to stimulation of a D-2 receptor. Independently two categories of DA receptors (designated as DA-1 and DA-2) were identified in the cardiovascular system. Stimulation of a DA-1 receptor increases the vascular cyclic AMP content and causes a relaxation of vascular smooth muscle in renal blood vessels, whereas stimulation of a DA-2 receptor inhibits the release of norepinephrine from certain postganglionic sympathetic neurons. Recent studies with the newly developed drugs discriminating between D-1 and D-2 receptors suggest however that the independently developed schemata for classification of dopamine receptors in either the central nervous and endocrine systems or the cardiovascular system are similar although maybe not completely identical.

Dopamine modulates CA1 hippocampal neurons by elevating the threshold for spike generation: an in vitro study

Intracellular recordings were obtained from CA1 neurons of rat hippocampal slices preparation. Dopamine applied by perfusion (10(-5)-10(-7) M), microdrop (10(-4) M) and iontophoresis (+80, +200 nA balanced current) inhibited "spontaneous" and evoked action potentials. An increase in current injection restored the evoked action potentials which appeared unmodified. Membrane potential was not modified in 60% of the neurons; in the remaining ones, a slow depolarization was observed. Membrane resistance, measured at rest, was not modified by dopamine. Calcium-mediated events such as bursting activity and afterhyperpolarization, mainly in the late component, were also attenuated by the catecholamine. These effects were antagonized by domperidone, a dopaminergic antagonist. Calcium spikes, evoked in tetrodotoxin- and tetraethylammonium-poisoned slices, were reversibly inhibited by dopamine. Since an increase in the amplitude of a depolarizing pulse of injected current was able to evoke both sodium and calcium action potentials suppressed by dopamine without change in shape or duration, it is concluded that this catecholamine depresses cellular excitability by altering the interaction between membrane voltage and sodium and calcium entry and the subsequent increase in potassium conductance.

Dopamine-containing amacrine cells of rhesus monkey retina parallel rods in spatial distribution

Dopamine-containing amacrine cells of rhesus monkey were found everywhere outside of the foveola in whole, flat retinas by the formaldehyde-glutaraldehyde fluorescent method. There were about 7500 such cells in a single retina and their density, determined by cell counts and measured by a nearest neighbor method, was minimal in foveal and peripheral regions and maximal at 3 mm from the center of the fovea. Compared to density distributions of other retinal neuron types, dopamine-containing amacrine cells correlated only with rods, which also had a peak density at 3 mm eccentricity. Cones and ganglion cells peaked in the foveal pit, or within 1 mm of it, respectively. As the distribution of dopamine-containing cells followed that of rods, it is suggested that dopamine could be involved in the rod neuronal circuitry of primates.

Dye coupling between amacrine cells in carp retina

Amacrine cells in isolated retinas of the carp (Cyprinus carpio) were intracellularly recorded and marked with a fluorescent dye, Lucifer yellow. On occasion, dye coupling was found to occur between amacrine cells when the dye was iontophoretically injected into an amacrine cell, generating one of the transient or sustained types of photoresponse. Dye-coupled cells in the vicinity of the marked cell were very similar to the marked cell in soma shape and dendritic stratification. Dye diffusion is assumed to take place at gap junctions between dendrities of amacrine cells which belong to a population of similar type cells in morphology and possibly in function.

Catecholamine systems of retina: a model for studying synaptic mechanisms

The retina contains three catecholamine neurotransmitters: dopamine (DA); norepinephrine (NE); and epinephrine (EPI). DA and EPI appear to be associated with separate amacrine neurons that directly participate in the visual process. NE, in contrast, appears to be associated primarily with the sympathetic nerves that innervate the blood vessels of the retina. We present a synopsis of the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology of these retinal neurons. We also suggest that some diseases usually associated with catecholamines of brain may have their counterpart in retina.

Catecholamine- and indoleamine-containing neurons in the turtle retina

We identified a population of presumed dopaminergic amacrine cells and populations of presumed serotonergic bipolar and amacrine cells in the retina of the turtle Pseudemys scripta elegans by a combination of autoradiographic, fluorescence, and immunocytochemical techniques. Antisera directed against the dopamine-synthesizing enzyme, tyrosine hydroxylase (TOH), stained perikarya located at the border of inner nuclear (INL) and inner plexiform (IPL) layers. Processes emitted by these cells arborized in sublaminae 1, 3, and 5 of the IPL. Incubation of retinas in 10(-6) M 3H-dopamine yielded a labeling pattern identical to the staining pattern achieved with TOH antisera, but when the concentration of 3H-dopamine was increased 25-fold, both amacrine and bipolar cells are labeled. Following intraocular injection of dopamine, fluorescence micrography revealed both stained amacrine and bipolar cells. The bipolar cells had Landolt's clubs, pyriform perikarya located in the distal portion of the INL, and axons that coursed horizontally in the INL, then entered the IPL, and ramified in both its superficial and deeper layers. Although no fluorescent neuronal profiles were revealed following injection of serotonin (5HT), bipolar cells identical to those described were visualized with 5HT antisera. The intensity of bipolar cell staining with 5HT antisera was improved by preinjection of the eye with exogenous 5HT. We suggest that the bipolar cell is serotonergic, but that it also can actively accumulate dopamine. The 5HT antisera also stained a population of large amacrine cells whose processes ramified in IPL sublaminae 1, 4, and 5. The same populations of presumed serotonergic bipolar and amacrine cells were labeled following incubation of the eyecup in 10(-6) M 3H-5HT.

Regular orientation of horizontal cells in the river lamprey retina

In isolated retinas of the river lamprey (Lampetra japonica), two types (fast and slow) of light-induced responses (S-potentials) were recorded from two distinct classes of axon-bearing horizontal cells. After the spectral responses of recording cells were examined, a fluorescent dye Lucifer yellow CH (LY) was ionophoretically injected into individual cells. Such a cellular marking was made for 15-25 points per retina successively in time and in space. Then the retinas were processed as flatmounts for fluorescence microscopic observation. Horizontal cells marked with LY were correlated with the recordings and mapped in the retinal field. Both classes of horizontal cells were found to be regularly arranged in space around the optic disc; the long axes of somata and axonal processes are oriented in parallel with the latitude line of the eyeball through the optic disc.

The actions of gamma-aminobutyric acid, glycine and their antagonists upon horizontal cells of the Xenopus retina

We examined the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine and their respective antagonists, picrotoxin and strychnine, upon the membrane potential and light-evoked responses of the type H1 horizontal cell of the Xenopus retina. This horizontal cell receives mixed input from rod and cone receptors. Under control conditions the mean membrane potential was -37.8 +/- 9.7 mV. Addition of 5 mM-GABA to the superfusate hyperpolarized the cell by 4.0 +/- 2.6 mV within 3-5 min; addition of 0.5 mM-picrotoxin depolarized the cell by 4.3 +/- 2.1 mV. Prolonged (greater than 15 min) exposures to the drugs elicited more pronounced changes in membrane potential. GABA and picrotoxin affected primarily the cone-dependent input to the H1 horizontal cell. Under dark-adapted conditions, response wave forms were essentially unaltered by the drugs, but when the horizontal cell was moderately or fully light adapted, GABA reduced and picrotoxin enhanced the cone-dependent component of its response to light. Long-term (greater than 15 min) exposures to GABA and picrotoxin elicited changes in response kinetics usually associated with dark and light adaptation, respectively. Glycine, at bath concentrations of 0.6 mM or greater, depolarized horizontal cells by 21 mV on average and reduced or abolished their light response. This action did not occur in the presence of 0.1 mM-strychnine. When all light-evoked activity was blocked by 20-40 mM-magnesium, the depolarizing action of glycine still occurred. Thus, glycine appears to act directly upon the horizontal cell membrane. Neither GABA nor glycine, nor their respective antagonists, affected the spatial extent of the horizontal cell receptive field.

Coupling between horizontal cells in the carp retina revealed by diffusion of Lucifer yellow

Electrical coupling among 4 different types of horizontal cells in Cyprinus carpio was examined from the diffusion of the intracellularly injected Lucifer yellow. The type of horizontal cells was identified by a spectral response and by a distinct morphology when the retina was viewed in flat mounts under a fluorescence microscope. Lucifer yellow diffused from the injected cell into surrounding cells, and in all of these preparations, diffusion was limited to horizontal cells of the same morphological type. Axons of horizontal cells were found to be coupled, and also at axons the coupling is likely to be limited to the same cell type.

Communicating junctions and calmodulin: inhibition of electrical uncoupling in Xenopus embryo by calmidazolium

This paper reports the inhibitory effects of calmidazolium (CDZ), a calmodulin inhibitor, on electrical uncoupling by CO2. Membrane potential and coupling ratio (V2/V1) are measured in two neighboring cells of Xenopus embryos (16 to 64 cell stage) for periods as long as 5.5 hr. Upon exposure to 100% CO2, control cells consistently uncouple even if the CO2 treatments are repeated every 15 min for 2.5 hr. CDZ (5 X 10(-8) - 1 X 10(-7) M) strongly inhibits uncoupling. The inhibition starts after 30, 50 and 60 min of treatment with 1 X 10(-7), 7 X 10(-8) and 5 X 10(-8) M CDZ, respectively, is concentration-dependent and partially reversible. In the absence of CO2, CDZ also improves electrical coupling. CDZ has no significant effect on membrane potential and nonjunctional membrane resistance. These data suggest that calmodulin or a calmodulin-like protein participates in the uncoupling mechanism.

Electrical coupling between horizontal cell bodies in the tiger salamander retina

We studied lateral interactions between horizontal cells in the tiger salamander retina in order to determine the underlying mode of synaptic transmission. Pairs of cells, visually identified by inspection of the in vitro retinal slices, were impaled with two separate electrodes and the transmission between them was examined by injecting current into one cell while recording the resulting voltage response from the other soma. It was found that coupling between horizontal cells remained intact and even increased somewhat during the light response and in the presence of cobalt or acetylcholine. It was also observed that a fluorescent dye injected into one cell would often migrate and stain neighbouring horizontal cells. These results suggest that synaptic transmission between horizontal cell bodies is mediated mainly by electrotonic conduction. The increase in apparent coupling observed under certain experimental conditions can be explained by the increase in input resistance of each horizontal cell.

Effects of dopamine on photopic L-type S-potentials in the catfish retina

Photopic L-type responses were recorded from the soma and the axon terminal of horizontal cells of the catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) retina in eye-cup preparations. The responses were produced by a spot of light with 100-micron diameter (intensity, 10 microW/cm2), which was flashed or steadily illuminated and swept along a 6-mm length over the retinal surface at a speed of 0.95 mm/sec. In some experiments, a traveling random bar stimulus was used instead of the sweeping spot. While recording the responses, dopamine (DA) was applied in a jet form via a nebulizer over the retinal preparation or as superfusate to the eye-cup preparation. DA increased the response amplitude by about 50% and markedly narrowed the spatial profile of the responses from the soma but not from the axon terminal. These DA effects were observed in both normal retinas and those from which DA cells had been deprived by prior intraocular injection of 6-hydroxydopamine. Deprival of DA cells from the retina resulted in a slightly wider spatial profile of the soma and axon terminal responses than that in normal retinas. The results indicate that the spatial properties of photopic L-type responses are modulated by DA at the soma level of horizontal cells.

A GABA antagonist, bicuculline, exerts its uncoupling action on external horizontal cells through dopamine cells in carp retina

External horizontal cells in isolated retinas of the carp (Cyprinus carpio) were intracellularly recorded and marked with the fluorescent dye Lucifer Yellow (LY). These cells are electrically coupled via gap junctions, so that the injected dye normally diffused to neighboring cells. A GABA antagonist, bicuculline (Bcc, 20 microM), applied to the vitreous fluid beneath the isolated retina, altered the spatial properties of light-induced responses, by increasing the amplitude of responses to central spots and decreasing that of those to distant spots. Bcc also restricted to injected dye to single recorded cells. These uncoupling actions of Bcc were similar to those of amphetamine (20 microM) or dopamine (10-20 microM) and were abolished by the presence of a dopaminergic blocker, haloperidol (20-40 microM). Both the actions of Bcc and amphetamine were not observed when applied to retinas deprived of dopaminergic cells by prior destruction with 6-hydroxydopamine. Therefore, Bcc exerts its uncoupling actions on external horizontal cells indirectly through the dopaminergic system in the carp retina.

Connexions between retinal neurons with identified neurotransmitters

Dopaminergic and indoleamine accumulating neurons can be demonstrated both in the light and the electron microscopes. Considerable differences have been found between different animal species. There are two types of dopaminergic neurons, the interamacrine cells and the interplexiform cells. The interamacrine cells contact only other amacrine cells. They receive synapses from other amacrine cells which are likely to operate with, e.g. GABA or glycine as neurotransmitter. The dopamine turnover in the dopaminergic interamacrine cells is very rapidly activated by light. Dopaminergic interplexiform neurons are known only in teleost fish and New World monkeys. They have approximately the same contacts in the inner plexiform layer as the interamacrine cells, but, in addition, send processes to the outer plexiform layer and there contact both horizontal cells and bipolar cells. The function of the dopaminergic neurons has not been determined. The indoleamine accumulating amacrine neurons are in Cebus monkeys, cats and rabbits contacted by bipolar cells in dyads and form reciprocal synapses with them. They are also contacted by amacrine cells and make synapses on other with them. They are also contacted by amacrine cells and make synapses on other amacrine cells and on ganglion cells. The contacts are different in teleost fish, where the indoleamine accumulating cells mainly contact other amacrine cells only. The transmitter of the indoleamine accumulating neurons is debated in mammals but is most likely 5-hydroxytryptamine in other vertebrates.

Mechanisms of synaptic transmission in the retina

This paper reviews the mechanisms of transmitter release, the kinetics of synaptic transfer, the mechanisms for the production of conductance changes by transmitters, and the nature of the conductance changes at synapses in vertebrate retina. A method for the culturing of adult retinal cells is described, together with preliminary experiments on the identification of cells in culture.