Studies on the mass receptor potential of the isolated frog retina. II. On the basis of the ionic mechanism

The retina of the lab rat: focus on retinal ganglion cells and photoreceptors

Albino and pigmented rat strains are widely used in models to study retinal degeneration and to test new therapies. Here, we have summarized the main topographical and functional characteristics of the rat retina focussing on photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the beginning and end of the retinal circuitry, respectively. These neurons are very sensitive to injury and disease, and thus knowing their normal number, topography, and function is essential to accurately investigate on neuronal survival and protection.

Deletion of Protein Phosphatase 2A Accelerates Retinal Degeneration in GRK1- and Arr1-Deficient Mice

Purpose

Light detection in retinal rod photoreceptors is initiated by activation of the visual pigment rhodopsin. A critical, yet often-overlooked, step enabling efficient perception of light is rhodopsin dephosphorylation mediated by protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). PP2A deficiency has been reported to impair rhodopsin regeneration after phosphorylation by G protein receptor kinase 1 (GRK1) and binding of arrestin (Arr1), thereby delaying rod dark adaptation. However, its effects on the viability of photoreceptors in the absence of GRK1 and Arr1 remain unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of PP2A deficiency in the absence of GRK1 or Arr1, both of which have been implicated in Oguchi disease, a form of night blindness.

Methods

Rod-specific mice lacking the predominant catalytic Cα-subunit of PP2A were crossed with the Grk1^−/− or Arr1^−/− strains to obtain double knockout lines. Rod photoreceptor viability was analyzed in histological cross-sections of the retina stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and rod function was evaluated by ex vivo electroretinography.

Results

PP2A deficiency alone did not impair photoreceptor viability up to 12 months of age. Retinal degeneration was more pronounced in rods lacking GRK1 compared to rods lacking Arr1, and degeneration was accelerated in both Grk1^−/− or Arr1^−/− strains where PP2A was also deleted. In Arr1^−/− mice, rod maximal photoresponse amplitudes were reduced by 80% at 3 months, and this diminution was enhanced further with concomitant PP2A deficiency.

Conclusions

These results suggest that although PP2A is not required for the survival of rods, its deletion accelerates the degeneration induced by the absence of either GRK1 or Arr1.

Mutation in the intracellular chloride channel CLCC1 associated with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa

We identified a homozygous missense alteration (c.75C>A, p.D25E) in CLCC1, encoding a presumptive intracellular chloride channel highly expressed in the retina, associated with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (arRP) in eight consanguineous families of Pakistani descent. The p.D25E alteration decreased CLCC1 channel function accompanied by accumulation of mutant protein in granules within the ER lumen, while siRNA knockdown of CLCC1 mRNA induced apoptosis in cultured ARPE-19 cells. TALEN KO in zebrafish was lethal 11 days post fertilization. The depressed electroretinogram (ERG) cone response and cone spectral sensitivity of 5 dpf KO zebrafish and reduced eye size, retinal thickness, and expression of rod and cone opsins could be rescued by injection of wild type CLCC1 mRNA. Clcc1+/- KO mice showed decreased ERGs and photoreceptor number. Together these results strongly suggest that intracellular chloride transport by CLCC1 is a critical process in maintaining retinal integrity, and CLCC1 is crucial for survival and function of retinal cells.

Purinergic modulation of frog electroretinographic responses: The role of the ionotropic receptor P2X7

The contribution of the purinergic receptors P2X7 (P2X7Rs) to the electroretinographic (ERG) responses was studied by testing the effects of the selective P2X7R antagonist A438079 and the selective P2X7R agonist Bz-ATP on the electroretinograms obtained in perfused frog (Rana ridibunda) eyecup preparations under a variety of stimulation conditions. The P2X7R blockade by 200 µM A438079 diminished the amplitude of the photoreceptor components: the a-wave and the pharmacologically isolated mass receptor potential. In the pure rod-driven and pure cone-driven responses, the amplitude of the postreceptoral ON (b-wave) and OFF (d-wave) components was also diminished. The OFF responses were affected to a greater extent compared to the ON responses. In the mixed rod- and cone-driven responses, obtained in the mesopic intensity range, the b-wave amplitude was increased, while the d-wave amplitude was decreased. The amplitude of the oscillatory potentials was diminished. The relative amplitude changes produced by the P2X7R blockade were greater in the dark-adapted compared to the light-adapted eyes. The application of 100 µM Bz-ATP produced small effects opposite to those of the antagonist, while a prolonged (>20 min) treatment with 1 mM Bz-ATP resulted in a significant amplitude reduction or even abolishment of b- and d-waves. Our results show that endogenous ATP through its P2X7Rs exerts significant, mostly potentiating effects on the ERG photoreceptor and postreceptoral responses. There is a clear ON/OFF asymmetry of the effects on the ERG postreceptoral responses favoring OFF responses: they are always strongly potentiated, while the ON responses are either less potentiated (in the rod-driven and most of the cone-driven responses) or even inhibited (in the mixed rod- and cone-driven responses). The overstimulation of P2X7Rs can produce acute pathological changes, that is, a decrease or abolishment of the ERG responses.

In vivo optical coherence tomography of stimulus-evoked intrinsic optical signals in mouse retinas

Intrinsic optical signal (IOS) imaging promises a noninvasive method for advanced study and diagnosis of eye diseases. Before pursuing clinical applications, it is essential to understand anatomic and physiological sources of retinal IOSs and to establish the relationship between IOS distortions and eye diseases. The purpose of this study was designed to demonstrate the feasibility of <italic<in vivo</italic< IOS imaging of mouse models. A high spatiotemporal resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was employed for depth-resolved retinal imaging. A custom-designed animal holder equipped with ear bar and bite bar was used to minimize eye movements. Dynamic OCT imaging revealed rapid IOS from the photoreceptor’s outer segment immediately after the stimulation delivery, and slow IOS changes were observed from inner retinal layers. Comparative photoreceptor IOS and electroretinography recordings suggested that the fast photoreceptor IOS may be attributed to the early stage of phototransduction before the hyperpolarization of retinal photoreceptor.

Retinal toxicity associated with high dose of meclofenamic acid

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used medications because they provide effective relief of chronic pain and inflammation through inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX). However, visual side effects also have been reported, such as temporary blindness, visual field defect, blurred vision, scotomata, and color vision changes subsequent to short- or long-term use. Our aim was to investigate the effect of a high dose of meclofenamic acid (MFA) on the retina. In our study, we applied electroretinography (ERG) and histologic examination to study functional and morphological damage of the retina in rabbits after MFA treatment. We reveal that MFA markedly decreased the amplitudes of b-wave of Rod-response and a- and b-wave of the scotopic standard combined ERG, respectively, and induced morphological destruction of the retina, especially photoreceptor cells. We conclude that a high dose of MFA causes retinal toxicity and impairs visual transduction. These findings may explain, at least partially, the vision problems of certain clinically used NSAIDs.

A spectral model for signal elements isolated from zebrafish photopic electroretinogram

The zebrafish photopic electroretinogram (ERG) sums isolatable elements. In each element, red-, blue-, green-, and UV- (r, g, b, and u) cone signals combine in a way that reflects retinal organization. ERG responses to monochromatic stimuli of different wavelengths and irradiances were recorded on a white rod suppressing background using superfused eyecups. Onset elements were isolated with glutamatergic blockers and response subtractions. CNQX-blocked ionotropic (AMPA/kainate) glutamate receptors; l-AP4 or CPPG-blocked metabotropic (mGluR6) glutamate receptors; TBOA-blocked glutamate transporters; and l-aspartate inactivated all glutamatergic mechanisms. Seven elements emerged: photopic PIII, the l-aspartate-isolated cone response; b1, a CNQX-sensitive early b-wave element of inner retinal origin; PII, a photopic, CNQX-insensitive composite b-wave element from ON bipolar cells; PIIm, an l-AP4/CPPG-sensitive, CNQX-insensitive, metabotropic subelement of PII; PIInm, an l-AP4/CPPG/CNQX-insensitive nonmetabotropic subelement of PII; a1nm, a TBOA-sensitive, CNQX/l-AP4/CPPG-insensitive, nonmetabotropic, postphotoreceptor a-wave element; and a2, a CNQX-sensitive a-wave element linked to OFF bipolar cells. The first five elements were fit with a spectral model that demonstrates independence of cone-color pathways. From this, Vmax and half-saturation values (k) for the contributing r-, g-, b-, and u-cone signals were calculated. Two signal patterns emerged. For PIII or PIInm, the Vmax order was Vr > Vg >> Vb approximately Vu. For b1, PII, and PIIm, the Vmax order was Vr approximately Vb > Vg > Vu. In either pattern, u-cone amplitude (Vu) was smallest, but u-cone sensitivity (ku362) was greatest, some 10-30 times greater than r cone (kr570). The spectra of b1/PII/PIIm elements peaked near b- and u-cone absorbance maxima regardless of criteria, but the spectra of PIII/PIInm elements shifted from b- toward r-cone absorbance maxima as criterion levels increased. The greatest gains in Vmax relative to PIII occurred for the b- and u-cone signals in the b1/PII/PIIm b-wave elements. This suggests a high-gain prolific metabotropic circuitry for b- and u-cone bipolar cells.

The electro-oculogram

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) lying distal to the retina regulates the extracellular environment and provides metabolic support to the outer retina. RPE abnormalities are closely associated with retinal death and it has been claimed several of the most important diseases causing blindness are degenerations of the RPE. Therefore, the study of the RPE is important in Ophthalmology. Although visualisation of the RPE is part of clinical investigations, there are a limited number of methods which have been used to investigate RPE function. One of the most important is a study of the current generated by the RPE. In this it is similar to other secretory epithelia. The RPE current is large and varies as retinal activity alters. It is also affected by drugs and disease. The RPE currents can be studied in cell culture, in animal experimentation but also in clinical situations. The object of this review is to summarise this work, to relate it to the molecular membrane mechanisms of the RPE and to possible mechanisms of disease states.

Effects of glutamic acid and related agents on horizontal cells in a marine teleost retina

Excitatory amino acids (EAAs) such as glutamic and aspartic acids, considered as the most likely neurotransmitters at the photoreceptor-horizontal cell synapse of teleost retinas, as well as agonists such as kainic acid and several of their antagonists, were applied to isolated and superfused retinas of the teleost Eugerres plumieri. Intracellular recordings from horizontal cells reveal that EAA receptors are of the kainate-quisqualate type. There is competitive inhibition between the agonist and antagonist agents used, and under their combined effect, the synapse under study remains operational, in a functional state, able to modulate the horizontal cell membrane potential upon retinal illumination.

The polar behavior of frog photoreceptors

It was observed that the outer segments of the frog visual rods orient along the direction of an externally applied static electric field. The orientation ability of the rod outer segments seems to be fuelled by the cell energy. The dipolar moment per rod was determined using a model which considers rod outer segments as rigid dipoles interacting with the electric field in a viscous medium. The mean dipolar charge of ROS was determined as being (2.10 +/- 0.17).10(-14)C.

A new cornea-positive component to the ERG of the aspartate-treated frog retina?

Using isolated bullfrog retinas treated with aspartate, we have found a new cornea-positive photo-response (positive response). The positive response could be detected only when the retina was stimulated by a dim flash. The peak amplitude and the rate of initial rise of the positive response were intensity dependent. The spectral sensitivity of the positive response peaked at 500 nm. The general characteristics of the response were different from those of the PIII response. The positive response was closely related to the extracellular Na+ and Ca2+ concentration and completely abolished by 50 microM La3+. On the basis of the present findings, it was suggested that some types of calcium channels or transporters are involved in the generation of the positive response.

Identification of the sodium-calcium exchanger as the major ricin-binding glycoprotein of bovine rod outer segments and its localization to the plasma membrane

After neuraminidase treatment the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger of bovine rod outer segments was found to specifically bind Ricinus communis agglutinin. SDS gel electrophoresis and Western blotting of ricin-binding proteins purified from rod outer segment membranes by lectin affinity chromatography revealed the existence of two major polypeptides of Mr 215K and 103K, the former of which was found to specifically react with PMe 1B3, a monoclonal antibody specific for the 230-kDa non-neuraminidase-treated Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. Reconstitution of the ricin affinity-purified exchanger into calcium-containing liposomes revealed that neuraminidase treatment had no significant effect on the kinetics of Na+/Ca2+ exchange activation by sodium. We further investigated the density of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in disk and plasma membrane preparations using Western blotting, radioimmunoassays, immunoelectron microscopy, and reconstitution procedures. The results indicate that the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger is localized in the rod photoreceptor plasma membrane and is absent or present in extremely low concentrations in disk membranes, as we have previously shown to be the case for the cGMP-gated cation channel. Previous reports describing the existence of Na+/Ca2+ exchange activity in rod outer segment disk membrane preparations may be due to the fusion of plasma membrane components and/or the presence of contaminating plasma membrane vesicles.

External sodium ions are required for the light response in pineal photoreceptors

Photoreceptor cells of the pineal organ of river lamprey, Lampetra japonica, showed hyperpolarizing light responses associated with a decrease in membrane resistance. Effects of external ion concentrations (Na+, K+, Li+, Cl-) on the light response and the resting membrane potentials were investigated. The average resting membrane potential in the standard solution was -29.7 +/- 7.3 mV (mean +/- SD, n = 125) and the amplitude of the response to white light (1 sec, 1.4 X 10(-8) W/cm2) was -20.4 +/- 6.3 mV (n = 125). The amplitude depended largely on external Na+ concentration. The change was 18 mV/10-fold increase of Na+ concentration, and the external Na+ was essential for generation of the response.

Heat produced by the dark-adapted bullfrog retina in response to light pulses

By using a pyroelectric detector constructed with a polyvinylidene fluoride film, a rapid rise in the temperature of the dark-adapted bullfrog retina induced by light was demonstrated. In the bullfrog retina, as in the squid retina examined previously, the heat generated in response to a brief light pulse was found to be far greater than the amount produced by conversion of the entire radiant energy of the stimulus into heat. The thermal responses consist of the heat generated by the photoreceptor and the postsynaptic elements in the retina, preceded by a small signal reflecting conversion of a portion of the radiant energy of the stimulus into heat. The dependence of the thermal responses on the light intensity, on the wavelength and on a variety of physical and chemical agents was examined. The exothermic process underlying the production of heat by the photoreceptor was found to precede the electrophysiological response of the retina.

Direct action of cGMP on the conductance of retinal rod plasma membrane

In order to identify the intracellular transmitter in the phototransduction process in the retinal rod, the action of cGMP, 2',3'cGMP, cAMP, GMP and Ca2+ on the isolated inside-out patches of the plasma membrane of retinal rods of the frog (Rana temporaria) was studied. cGMP applied at the intracellular membrane surface markedly increased the conductance of patches. The action of cGMP took place in the absence of nucleoside triphosphates and, hence, was not mediated by protein phosphorylation. The dependence of cGMP-induced component of conductance on cGMP concentration was S-shaped, with half-saturation within 10-30 microM and a Hill coefficient of about 1.7-1.8. cAMP, 2',3'cGMP, GMP (1 mM) did not exhibit any action on the membrane. Ca2+ did not affect the patch conductance in the absence of cGMP. In the presence of cGMP, lowering Ca2+ concentration from 10(-3) to 10(-8) M decreased the cGMP-dependent component of conductance by 20-30%. The approximate value of the elementary event underlying the cGMP-induced conductance estimated from the magnitude of the variance of the cGMP-induced current is within 100-250 fS. We suppose that the cGMP-activated channels found by us provide the light-sensitive conductance of the rod plasma membrane in vivo and that cGMP is the intracellular transmitter acting in the phototransduction process.

Ionic permeabilities of the plasma membrane of isolated intact bovine rod outer segments as studied with a novel optical probe

The permeability properties of the plasma membrane of intact rod outer segments purified from bovine retinas (ROS) were studied with the aid of the optical probe neutral red as described in the companion paper. The following observations were made: Electrical shunting of ROS membranes greatly stimulated Na+ and K+ transport, suggesting that this transport reflects Na+ and K+ currents, respectively. The dissipation of a Na+ gradient across the plasma membrane occurred with a half-time of 30 sec at 25 degrees C. The Na+ permeability was progressively inhibited when the external Ca2+ concentration was raised from 1 microM to 20 mM. A similar Ca2+ dependence was observed for H+ and Li+ transport. The Na+ permeability was not affected when the total internal Ca2+ content of ROS was varied between 0.1 mol Ca2+/mol rhodopsin and 7 mol Ca2+/mol rhodopsin, or when the free internal Ca2+ concentration was varied between 0.1 and 50 microM. The K+ permeability was progressively stimulated when the external Ca2+ concentration was raised from 0.001 to 1 microM, whereas a further increase to 20 mM was without effect. A similar Ca2+ dependence was observed for Rb+ and Cs+ transport. At an external Ca2+ concentration in the micromolar range the rate of transport decreased in the order: Na+ greater than K+ = H+ greater than Cs+ greater than Li+. Na+ fluxes depended in a sigmoidal way on the external Na+ concentration, suggesting that sodium ions move in pairs. The concentration dependence of uniport Na+ transport and that of Na+-stimulated Ca2+ efflux (exchange or antiport transport) were very similar.

Stimulation of photoreceptor disc shedding and pigment epithelial phagocytosis by glutamate, aspartate, and other amino acids

It has been reported that aspartate and glutamate selectively impair the structure (Olney, '82) and function (e.g., Furakawa and Hanawa, '55) of second- and third-order retinal neurons while leaving the photoreceptor unaffected. Either amino acid may mimic the endogenous photoreceptor neurotransmitter (Ehinger, '82). We report here that excitatory amino acids also induce massive rod photoreceptor disc shedding in eyecups of Xenopus laevis maintained in vitro. Disc shedding is the process whereby photoreceptors eliminate effete discs. It involves interaction between the distal outer segment and pigment epithelium. Millimolar L-aspartate and L-glutamate, as well as micromolar kainic acid, a glutamate analog, stimulate disc shedding three- to fivefold higher than normal light-evoked shedding levels and result in extensive inner retinal damage. Fifty-millimolar KCl, 1.0 microM ouabain, and replacement of sodium with choline also stimulate disc shedding and alter retinal structure. Extensive neurotoxicity appears unrelated to disc shedding since other amino acids having no significant or marginal effects on retinal structure also stimulate shedding. While the site and mechanism of action of these effectors, and in particular the excitatory amino acids, is now undefined, the data show that amino acids thought to act directly and specifically on inner retinal neurons can also markedly alter photoreceptor and pigment epithelial metabolism.

Induction by cyclic GMP of cationic conductance in plasma membrane of retinal rod outer segment

Vertebrate rod photoreceptors hyperpolarize when illuminated, due to the closing of cation-selective channels in the plasma membrane. The mechanism controlling the opening and closing of these channels is still unclear, however. Both 3',5'-cyclic GMP and Ca2+ ions have been proposed as intracellular messengers for coupling the light activation of the photopigment rhodopsin to channel activity and thus modulating light-sensitive conductance. We have now studied the effects of possible conductance modulators on excised 'inside-out' patches from the plasma membrane of the rod outer segment (ROS), and have found that cyclic GMP acting from the inner side of the membrane markedly increases the cationic conductance of such patches (EC50 30 microM cyclic GMP) in a reversible manner, while Ca2+ is ineffective. The cyclic GMP-induced conductance increase occurs in the absence of nucleoside triphosphates and, hence, is not mediated by protein phosphorylation, but seems rather to result from a direct action of cyclic GMP on the membrane. The effect of cyclic GMP is highly specific; cyclic AMP and 2',3'-cyclic GMP are completely ineffective when applied in millimolar concentrations. We were unable to recognize discrete current steps that might represent single-channel openings and closings modulated by cyclic GMP. Analysis of membrane current noise shows the elementary event to be 3 fA with 110 mM Na+ on both sides of the membrane at a membrane potential of -30 mV. If the initial event is assumed to be the closure of a single cyclic GMP-sensitive channel, this value corresponds to a single-channel conductance of 100 fS. It seems probable that the cyclic GMP-sensitive conductance is responsible for the generation of the rod photoresponse in vivo.

Signal mechanisms of phototransduction in retinal rod

The levels of intracellular molecules are modulated by illumination of rod photoreceptor cells in the vertebrate retina. Among these are Ca ions, cyclic nucleotides (cGMP in particular), and phosphate nucleotides (ATP and GTP). It is presumed now that at least two of these molecules, Ca and cGMP, may function as chemical linkers between the absorption of light by rhodopsin and the ionic channels of the plasma membrane of the rod outer segment that close when the rod is illuminated. The manuscript will review the physiology of the rod cell, the evidence in support of light-dependent changes in the intracellular levels of various small molecules, and the role of these changes in coupling rhodopsin excitation to the control of the light-sensitive membrane channels in the rod.

Studies on structure and function of rhodopsin by use of cyclopentatrienylidene 11-cis-locked-rhodopsin

The photochemical reaction of cyclopentatrienylidene 11-cis-locked-rhodopsin derived from cyclopentatrienylidene 11-cis-locked-retinal and cattle opsin was spectrophotometrically studied. The difference absorption spectrum between the cyclopentatrienylidene 11-cis-locked-rhodopsin and its retinal oxime had its maximum at 495 nm (P-495). Irradiation of P-495 at -196 degrees C with either blue light or orange light caused no spectral change, supporting the cis-trans isomerization hypothesis for formation of bathorhodopsin. Upon irradiation of P-495 at 0 degree C with orange light, however, its absorption spectrum shifted to a shorter wavelength owing to formation of a hypsochromic product. The difference absorption spectrum between this product (P-466) and its retinal oxime showed its maximum at 466 nm. Analysis of retinal isomers by high-performance liquid chromatography showed that this spectral shift was not accompanied by photoisomerization of the chromophore. P-466 could almost completely be photoconverted to the original pigment (P-495) by irradiation at 0 degree C with blue light with little formation of the other isomeric form of its chromophore. The alpha-band of the circular dichroism spectrum of P-495 was very small in comparison with that of rhodopsin, while that of P-466 was comparable to it. These facts suggest that P-495 has a planar conformation in the side chain of the chromophore and that P-466 has a twisted one, probably at the C8-C9 single bond. Cyclic-GMP phosphodiesterase in frog rod outer segment was activated by neither P-495 nor P-466. This result suggests that the isomerization of the retinylidene chromophore of rhodopsin is indispensable in the phototransduction process.

Cation selectivity of light-sensitive conductance in retinal rods

Vertebrate photoreceptors respond to light by a membrane hyperpolarization which is thought to result from the decrease of a Na-selective conductance in the outer segment. One hypothesis is that light increases intracellular free Ca which reversibly blocks the Na conductance; at least part of this Ca is then extruded to the cell exterior by a Na-Ca exchanger at the plasma membrane. We describe experiments here which show that the light-sensitive conductance in rods is also highly permeable to K. While external Na acts to keep the conductance open, external K tends to keep it closed, both actions probably involving the Na-Ca exchanger. The conductance is also permeable to the monovalent cations Li, Rb and Cs and the divalent cations Ca, Sr and Ba. The ability of both Na and K to go through the light-sensitive conductance explains the long-standing puzzle as to why the reversal potential for the light response is at 0 to + 10 mV.

Effect of ions on retinal rods from Bufo marinus

The effect of ions on the light-sensitive current of isolated retinal rods from the toad Bufo marinus was studied by sucking the inner segment into a tightly fitting pipette. The outer segment projected into flowing solution whose composition could be changed rapidly. Reducing the external Na concentration, [Na]o, round the outer segment caused rapid and reversible reductions in the light-sensitive current. With the outer segment in the pipette, reductions of [Na]o round the inner segment had little effect on the light-sensitive current. The current about 15 s after a change in [Na]o was approximately proportional to [Na]2o. The current decreased in elevated external Ca concentration, [Ca]o, and increased in reduced [Ca]o. Between 10 and 0.5 mM-external Ca the current 15 s after a change was approximately inversely proportional to [Ca]o. Reducing [Ca]o from 1 mM to 1 microM or less transiently increased the current by about 15-fold. After a change in [Na]o or [Ca]o the current did not approach its final value monotonically but with a characteristic overshoot or underswing, followed by a slow relaxation of current which may reflect the time course of change in internal Na. Reducing [Na]o from 110 to 70 mM or less prolonged the response to a flash; very long responses were observed in solutions containing Li rather than Na and also in rods that had been returned to Ringer solution after exposure to low Ca. All these effects might be explained if Ca extrusion in exchange for Na determines the reactivation of current after a flash. The rod current was not changed if the ratio [Na]No/[Ca]o was held constant, N being about 2.5. Between 5 mM and 10 microM-Ca the change in peak current produced by absorption of a single quantum was roughly proportional to the dark current. Responses in the absence of external Na were not normally seen if the solution contained 0.1 mM-Ca or more. Responses of normal polarity were regularly observed in 0 Na, 0 Ca EGTA solutions containing 1.6 mM-Mg. Removal of Mg from such solutions gave inverted responses. Other conditions which promote responses of normal and inverted polarity in Na-free solutions are described briefly. We conclude that Li, Ca, Mg and perhaps K can pass through the light-sensitive channel. The above results suggest that external Na has two distinct effects: (1) it provides ions to carry inward current, and (2) it keeps the light-sensitive conductance open by maintaining the internal Ca concentration, [Ca]i, at a low level.

Choroidal rete mirabile function and resistance to retinal oxygen toxicity in fish

Previous studies have suggested that resistance to O2 toxicity in teleost fish retina is directly related to choroidal rete mirabile function and to the chronically elevated PO2 at the retina. We tested this hypothesis in several species of fish with varying degrees of rete development. The effect of hyperbaric oxygen on O2 consumption, Na+-, K+-ATPase activity nd the ERG was recorded. Hyperbaric oxygen had no effect on the ERG of either the flounder, which has a large rete and elevated PO2, or the eel, which has no rete. Exposure to hyperbaric oxygen for 6 hr attenuated by 50% the ERG of the goosefish which has a small rete (retinal PO2 = 90 mmHg). Hyperbaric oxygen abolished the b-wave of the dogfish ERG and attenuated the skate b-wave by 80%. Elasmobranchs have no rete and low retinal PO2. Hyperbaric oxygen had no effect on O2 consumption and ATPase activity in any species studied. The ERG data supported the hypothesis that resistance to oxygen toxicity by the teleost retina is an adaptation to a chronically elevated PO2 generated by the choroidal rete.

Control of the generator current in solitary rods of the Ambystoma tigrinum retina

THe current suppressed by light, the generator current, was studied in solitary salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) rod photoreceptors with the single-micropipette voltage-clamp technique. The effects of Ca, cyclic GMP, and voltage were measured while voltage- and Ca-activated currents of the inner segment were blocked with Co, Cs, and TEA (tetraethylammonium). The generator current was increased more than 5-fold by lowering the external Ca concentration from 1.5 mM to 10 microM. The generator current could be decreased approximately 1/2 by injecting Ca into an outer segment. Injection of EGTA quickly increased the generator current approximately 2-fold. After injection ceased, the increase was quickly reversed. The generator current could be increased more than 5-fold by injecting cyclic GMP or 8Br-cyclic GMP. Injection of protons, the pH buffer bicine (N,N-bis[2-hydroxyethyl]glycine), or GMP did not produce a change in the generator current. The current-voltage curve for the generator current was influenced by external Co: in 3 mM-Co the current-voltage curve had a negative resistance between -45 and -90 mV; in 0.1 mM-Co the current-voltage curve paralleled the voltage axis between -45 and -90 mV. The difference is attributed to a voltage-dependent block by Co. Susceptibility to the blocking action of Co was reduced by lowering internal or external Ca concentration, or by injecting cyclic GMP. When rods were bathed in a medium containing 7-100 microM-Ca, a step depolarization produced a time-dependent decline in current. Because the reversal potential remained constant, the decline is attributed to an inactivation. The extent of inactivation was reduced by increasing the concentration of external Ca or injecting cyclic GMP.

Effect of changes in intra- and extracellular sodium on the inward (anomalous) rectification in salamander photoreceptors

Solitary rod inner segments were obtained by enzymic dissociation of the tiger salamander retina. Ih, an inward current activated by membrane hyperpolarization, was studied using the single-pipette voltage-clamp technique with patch pipettes. In order to investigate Ih in isolation from voltage-dependent potassium and calcium currents, it was necessary to superfuse with a solution containing TEA and cobalt. When the solution in the patch pipette contained 45 mM-KCl and 50 mM-NaCl, the characteristics of Ih were indistinguishable from those previously described with fine-tip micro-electrodes: the reversal potential was near-30 mV and Ih was blocked by extracellular caesium and enhanced by an increase in the extracellular potassium concentration. The increase in Ih observed when the extracellular potassium concentration is raised is due to an increase in conductance and in driving force. Replacement of sodium in the patch pipette with choline caused a 15 mV displacement of the reversal potential for Ih in the depolarized direction. When using sodium-free patch pipettes, replacement of extracellular sodium displaced the reversal potential for Ih to -74 mV, a value in the range of the potassium equilibrium potential in solitary inner segments. Intracellular or intra- and extracellular sodium substitution affected neither the activation range of Ih nor the maximum conductance. From points 3-6 it can be concluded that Ih is carried mainly, if not exclusively, by sodium and potassium and that the channel responsible for Ih is insensitive to modifications of the intra- or extracellular sodium concentration. The results of long-term hyperpolarization, of partial block with caesium and of total sodium substitution are consistent with sodium and potassium permeating the same type of channel.

Single anion channels of frog rod plasma membrane

Anion channels have been found in the plasma membrane of the outer and inner segment of the isolated retinal rod by means of the patch voltage-clamp technique. The permeability of the channels for different anions follows a sequence: Cl- greater than F- greater than NO3- greater than propionate; the channel conductance in the fully open state is 200 +/- 30 pS measured in 108 mM NaCl. The non-linear character of the current-voltage relationship at membrane potentials from -40 to -20 mV suggests that these anion channels may be involved in receptor potential generation through an electrogenic mechanism.

Spatial information capacity of eyes: roles of Na+ channels and photon noise in photoreceptor

The spatial information capacity of the human eye for photopic vision has been determined taking into account the intensity response function of the photoreceptor. It has been found that spatial information capacity increases with the mean luminance upto a certain value of mean luminance and after that it starts decreasing. The decrement occurs below the damage threshold. These results are in agreement with the reported experimental observations. It has been concluded that the limited number of Na+ channels in the photoreceptor outer segment and the photon noise are responsible for the fall in the information capacity below the damage threshold.

Dependence of the single photon response on longitudinal position of absorption in toad rod outer segments

Light responses were recorded from toad rods in order to study the dependence of the kinetics and amplitude of the single photon response on the longitudinal position of excitation within the rod outer segment. Membrane current was recorded from the inner segment of an isolated rod with a suction electrode while stimulating the outer segment with a dim transverse slit of light. Flashes at the tip of the outer segment gave smaller average responses than flashes at the base. Comparison of amplitude histograms from the two positions revealed that the fraction of incident photons eliciting an electrical response was the same at tip and base. Characteristic differences in flash sensitivity are therefore attributed to differences in the amplitude of the single photon response. Flash responses from the tip were slower than those from the base. For most cells, the tip response could be fitted by the same multistage filter equation that fitted the base response when only one of the filter time constants was increased. For both tip and base responses, the ensemble variance as a function of time was proportional to the square of the ensemble average. This indicates that single photon responses had the same wave form as their respective averages, and that there was no significant contribution of fluctuations in response latency to the wave form of the average. Background light reduced flash sensitivity at the tip more than at the base. The calculated cable attenuation of rod outer segments is not sufficient to explain the observed differences between the responses of the tip and base. The differences might instead be associated with a longitudinal gradient of internal sodium concentration, or with ageing of the outer segment discs. Calculations suggest that in the intact eye, the amplitude and time course of the average electrical response to absorption of a photon should depend slightly on the wave-length of the photon.

Light enhances the turnover of phosphatidylinositol in rat retinas

Light stimulation of isolated rat retinas is shown to enhance the turnover of phosphatidylinositol (PI) as demonstrated by a light-dependent increase in [3H]inositol incorporation and concurrent hydrolysis of existing PI. Studies with rat retinas incubated with [3H]inositol and then microdissected at the level of the outer plexiform layer into photoreceptor cell and inner retina layers indicated that the light-enhanced incorporation of [3H]inositol was associated with the photoreceptor cell layer. The rate of PI hydrolysis in retinas prelabeled in vivo with [3H]inositol was higher in light than in dark incubations and was higher in the photoreceptor cell layer than within the inner retina. Within the photoreceptor cell layer. PI turnover involved 2%/min of the total PI content in dark and 6-8%/min in light. In contrast to what has been reported for stimulus-enhanced turnover of PI in some tissues, this light-enhanced turnover of PI in the retina was not associated with detectable reductions in PI content. Parallel studies of sodium (22Na) uptake demonstrated that the photoreceptor cells remained functional during these incubations as they retained the capacity to restrict the entry of 22Na in light but not in dark.

Relative inhibitory effects of ATP depletion, ouabain and calcium on retinal photoreceptors

The relative inhibitory effects of ATP depletion, ouabain and calcium on the receptor potential of the isolated rat retina were investigated. The principal experimental test used to assess these effects was the rate and extent of recovery of the receptor potential after re-establishing the transmembrane sodium gradient. Retinas were incubated in 25 mM-sodium for 10-20 min and then the external concentration of sodium was increased to 155 mM in control retinas, in retinas exposed to 10(-4) M-ouabain, and in retinas depleted of ATP (glucose-free medium plus 10 mM 2-deoxyglucose). Measurements showed that by 10-20 min ouabain completely inhibited the activity of the sodium-potassium ATPase and 2-deoxyglucose caused almost total loss of retinal ATP. In control retinas, the increase in sodium led to a rapid, full recovery of the receptor potential. When the sodium-potassium pump was blocked by ouabain, a return to the normal level of sodium led within seconds to a small (30%) recovery of the potential which decayed over 5 min. In ATP depleted retinas no recovery of the receptor potential was observed. However, if glucose was added at the time of changing to 155 mM-sodium in depleted retinas then a substantial recovery of the receptor potential was observed, but the return of the potential was delayed relative to the instantaneous re-establishment of the sodium gradient. After ouabain caused the receptor potential to decay in the presence of 2 mM-calcium and 155 mM-sodium, the potential was restored within seconds upon a reduction of external calcium to 10(-7)M. At this low calcium concentration, but not at 2 mM-calcium, an inverted receptor potential was observed transiently when the membrane sodium gradient was reversed during ouabain treatment. No recovery of the receptor potential was seen if the concentrations of calcium and sodium were raised to their control levels after incubation of the retina in a low sodium, low calcium, ouabain-containing medium. These results show that the receptor potential is elicited by changing the sodium gradient when the sodium-potassium pump is blocked, but is not evoked when either retinal ATP content is low or the external level of calcium is increased. The similarity in the inhibitory effects of ATP depletion and calcium suggest that high energy phosphates play a role in maintaining a low intracellular concentration of calcium, possibly by influencing sodium-calcium exchange or calcium pumps.

Evidence for a neuroactive component in the toxic extract from Gonyaulax monilata

1. A toxic extract has been isolated from the red-tide dinoflagellate Gonyaulax monilata by a phenol-water extraction. 2. The compound action potential in the desheathed frog sciatic nerve is irreversibly blocked by topical application of the extract in concentrations as low as 40 ppm (w/v) in frog Ringer solution. 3. The toxin liberated by this algae has the potential for causing the neurological symptoms exhibited by animals following the administration of the toxic extract.

Voltage-activated and calcium-activated currents studied in solitary rod inner segments from the salamander retina

1. Solitary rod inner segments were obtained by enzymatic dissociation of the tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) retina. Their membrane currents were studied with the single-pipette voltage-clamp technique. Individual currents were isolated with the aid of pharmacological agents.2. Extracellular caesium blocked a current activated by hyperpolarization from -30 mV. Changing external sodium and potassium concentrations altered the value of the reversal potential in a manner consistent with the current being carried equally by both ions.3. Extracellular tetraethylammonium (TEA) blocked a current activated by depolarization from -70 mV. In normal medium this current had a reversal potential of -72 mV. Changing the external potassium concentration altered the value of the reversal potential in a manner consistent with the current being carried predominantly by potassium.4. Extracellular cobalt blocked a current activated by depolarization that had an initial inward and a later outward component.5. After EGTA was injected into an inner segment the outward component was suppressed. Cobalt then blocked an inward current. This current is believed to be carried predominantly by calcium. The conductance increased with depolarization from -45 mV and reached a maximum at approximately 0 mV. Following a step of depolarization the current activated rapidly (< 20 msec) and then remained constant for at least several seconds without evidence of inactivation.6. Injecting caesium into an inner segment eliminated a calcium-activated outward current believed to be carried by potassium ions.7. After the injection of caesium there remained another calcium-activated current with a reversal potential of -17 mV. Changing extracellular chloride concentration altered the value of the reversal potential in a manner consistent with chloride carrying at least 70% of the current. Another anion may carry the balance.8. When the five currents mentioned in items 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 were blocked, the membrane resistance between -90 and -25 mV was linear, time-independent, and had a high value (2.1 GOmega).9. The five identified currents can all be activated in the physiological range of voltage in which salamander rods normally operate.

The effects of sodium replacement on the responses of toad rods

1. We have investigated the effects of Na(+) substitution on the membrane potential and light responses of rods in the superfused retina of the toad, Bufo marinus.2. When all of the Na(+) in the Ringer was replaced with Li(+), the effects on the rods depended upon the external free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](o)). At [Ca(2+)](o) >/= 10(-6) M, the membrane potential (E(m)) hyperpolarized and light responses were greatly diminished or abolished. At [Ca(2+)](o) </= 10(-7) M, Li(+) replacement had little effect on E(m) or response amplitude.3. We interpret these results as revealing a Na(+)-Ca(+) counter-transport in rods. At high [Ca(2+)](o), replacing Na(+) with Li(+) would have produced an increase in the rod cytosol free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and the blockage of the light-dependent conductance, leading directly to the suppression of light responses. At [Ca(2+)](o) </= 10(-7) M, this presumably would not have occurred.4. Since at these low Ca(2+) concentrations we observed light responses of nearly normal amplitude in Li(+), our results suggest that the light-dependent conductance is permeable to Li(+).5. Substitution of Na(+) with K(+) in low Ca(2+) produced a complete suppression of the responses. However, it was still possible to measure large light-induced changes in rod input resistance.6. Substitution of Na(+) with tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, Tris, or choline in low Ca(2+) produced a large hyperpolarization of the membrane potential and a diminution of response amplitude. However, we were unable to observe a complete suppression of the responses for these cations.7. Substitution of Na(+) with tetrapropylammonium or with an uncharged substance (glucose or urea) in low Ca(2+) produced a large hyperpolarization of membrane potential and a considerable decrease in the light responses. In about half our attempts, the responses were observed to decline reversibly to less than 20% of their peak amplitude in Na(+).8. Results with tetrapropylammonium were indistinguishable from those of glucose or urea, indicating that the light-dependent conductance probably is not permeable to TPA. The resistance changes measured with K(+) substitution and the responses observed in the presence of the organic ions TMA, TEA, Tris and choline suggest that these species may be permeable, but we are unable to discount alternative explanations.

The contribution of the electrogenic sodium-potassium pump to the electrical activity of toad rods

1. The membrane potential of rods in the isolated toad retina was recorded while changing the ionic composition of the extracellular medium.2. Caesium (Cs(+)) at a concentration of 1 mM was sufficient to completely block the sag from the peak to the plateau in the bright-flash voltage response.3. In the presence of 10 mM-Cs(+) the bright-flash response increased in amplitude to about 90 mV, thus reaching an absolute membrane potential of between -110 and -135 mV. These responses consisted of an initial fast component of about 35 mV followed by a much slower component which could be as large as 50 mV.4. At the peak of the initial fast component the rod membrane conformed closely to the behaviour of a K(+) electrode with a P(Na)/P(K) ratio of 0.023. On average the amplitude of the slow component was about 35 mV in the presence of 2.6 mM-K(+) and was reduced to about 25 mV in a K(+)-free Ringer.5. Addition of 100 muM-strophanthidin to the perfusate induced several reversible changes in the electrical activity of rods. The dark resting membrane potential depolarized by about 5 mV and the kinetics of the voltage response to dim flashes of light slowed down. The voltage sensitivity initially increased by about 30%, but the peak of the response to a bright flash of light was reduced by about 13 mV.6. In rods treated with 10 mM-Cs(+) the slow component present in the bright flash response was abolished by strophanthidin with an apparent K(m) of 3 muM.7. The amplitude of the slow component decreased with a time lag of about 2 min when external Na(+) was reduced. A previous exposure of the retina to a Na(+)-free Ringer solution for at least 3 min modified the voltage photoresponse in a way similar to that observed in the presence of 100 muM-strophanthidin.8. When external Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](o)) was increased from 2 to 5 mM the slow component decreased by about 30%. When [Ca(2+)](o) was reduced the slow component increased. A twofold increase was observed when [Ca(2+)](o) was lower than 10(-4) M.9. It is suggested that the slow component of the voltage response in the presence of external Cs(+) is caused by an electrogenic current driven by the Na(+)-K(+) transport system, during a voltage-dependent block of external Cs(+) of some K(+) channels.

Effect of ions on the light-sensitive current in retinal rods

The effect of ions on the light-sensitive current of retinal rods was studied by sucking the inner segment into a tightly fitting capillary with the outer segment projecting into a flowing solution. This new method showed that the light-sensitive pathway, in which Na+ is the normal carrier of current, has an ionic selectivity different from that of other known sodium channels. Externàl calcium has a striking effect on the current, which increased about 20-fold when all calcium was removed. Reducing the sodium concentration gradient greatly prolonged the response to a flash of light, as would be expected if internal calcium blocks sodium channels and if light releases calcium which is subsequently extruded by a sodium-calcium exchange mechanism.