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McMahon DG, Dowling JE. Neuromodulation: Actions of Dopamine, Retinoic Acid, Nitric Oxide, and Other Substances on Retinal Horizontal Cells. Eye Brain 2023; 15:125-137. [PMID: 37928979 PMCID: PMC10625386 DOI: 10.2147/eb.s420050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Whereas excitation and inhibition of neurons are well understood, it is clear that neuromodulatory influences on neurons and their synapses play a major role in shaping neural activity in the brain. Memory and learning, emotional and other complex behaviors, as well as cognitive disorders have all been related to neuromodulatory mechanisms. A number of neuroactive substances including monoamines such as dopamine and neuropeptides have been shown to act as neuromodulators, but other substances thought to play very different roles in the body and brain act as neuromodulators, such as retinoic acid. We still understand little about how neuromodulatory substances exert their effects, and the present review focuses on how two such substances, dopamine and retinoic acid, exert their effects. The emphasis is on the underlying neuromodulatory mechanisms down to the molecular level that allow the second order bipolar cells and the output neurons of the retina, the ganglion cells, to respond to different environmental (ie lighting) conditions. The modulation described affects a simple circuit in the outer retina, involves several neuroactive substances and is surprisingly complex and not fully understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas G McMahon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - John E Dowling
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
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2
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Beltrán González AN, López Pazos MI, Del Vas M, Calvo DJ. Negative modulation of the GABA Aρ1 receptor function by histamine. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 955:175880. [PMID: 37406850 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Besides its function as a local mediator of the immune response, histamine can play a role as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator. Histamine actions are classically mediated through four different G protein-coupled receptor subtypes but non-classical actions were also described, including effects on many ligand-gated ion channels. Previous evidence indicated that histamine acts as a positive modulator on diverse GABAA receptor subtypes, such as GABAAα1β2γ2, GABAAα2β3γ2, GABAAα3β3γ2, GABAAα4β3γ2 and GABAAα5β3γ2. Meanwhile, its effects on GABAAρ1 receptors, known to stand for tonic currents in retinal neurons, had not been examined before. The effects of histamine on the function of human homomeric GABAAρ1 receptors were studied here, using heterologous expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes followed by the electrophysiological recording of GABA-evoked Cl- currents. Histamine inhibited GABAAρ1 receptor-mediated responses. Effects were reversible, independent of the membrane potential, and strongly dependent on both histamine and GABA concentration. A rightward parallel shift in the concentration-response curve for GABA was observed in the presence of histamine, without substantial change in the maximal response or the Hill coefficient. Results were compatible with a competitive antagonism of histamine on the GABAAρ1 receptors. This is the first report of inhibitory actions exerted by histamine on an ionotropic GABA receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea N Beltrán González
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIByNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Manuel I López Pazos
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIByNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Del Vas
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular (IABIMO), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel J Calvo
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIByNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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3
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Adámek P, Langová V, Horáček J. Early-stage visual perception impairment in schizophrenia, bottom-up and back again. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 8:27. [PMID: 35314712 PMCID: PMC8938488 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-022-00237-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Visual perception is one of the basic tools for exploring the world. However, in schizophrenia, this modality is disrupted. So far, there has been no clear answer as to whether the disruption occurs primarily within the brain or in the precortical areas of visual perception (the retina, visual pathways, and lateral geniculate nucleus [LGN]). A web-based comprehensive search of peer-reviewed journals was conducted based on various keyword combinations including schizophrenia, saliency, visual cognition, visual pathways, retina, and LGN. Articles were chosen with respect to topic relevance. Searched databases included Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science. This review describes the precortical circuit and the key changes in biochemistry and pathophysiology that affect the creation and characteristics of the retinal signal as well as its subsequent modulation and processing in other parts of this circuit. Changes in the characteristics of the signal and the misinterpretation of visual stimuli associated with them may, as a result, contribute to the development of schizophrenic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Adámek
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. .,Center for Advanced Studies of Brain and Consciousness, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.
| | - Veronika Langová
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Center for Advanced Studies of Brain and Consciousness, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Horáček
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Center for Advanced Studies of Brain and Consciousness, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
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4
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Arsenault E, Lavigne AA, Mansouri S, Gagné AM, Francis K, Bittar TP, Quessy F, Abdallah K, Barbeau A, Hébert M, Labonté B. Sex-Specific Retinal Anomalies Induced by Chronic Social Defeat Stress in Mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:714810. [PMID: 34483859 PMCID: PMC8415161 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.714810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common consequences of chronic stress. Still, there is currently no reliable biomarker to detect individuals at risk to develop the disease. Recently, the retina emerged as an effective way to investigate psychiatric disorders using the electroretinogram (ERG). In this study, cone and rod ERGs were performed in male and female C57BL/6 mice before and after chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). Mice were then divided as susceptible or resilient to stress. Our results suggest that CSDS reduces the amplitude of both oscillatory potentials and a-waves in the rods of resilient but not susceptible males. Similar effects were revealed following the analysis of the cone b-waves, which were faster after CSDS in resilient mice specifically. In females, rod ERGs revealed age-related changes with no change in cone ERGs. Finally, our analysis suggests that baseline ERG can predict with an efficacy up to 71% the expression of susceptibility and resilience before stress exposition in males and females. Overall, our findings suggest that retinal activity is a valid biomarker of stress response that could potentially serve as a tool to predict whether males and females will become susceptible or resilient when facing CSDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Arsenault
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et des Services Sociaux de la Capitale Nationale, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Andrée-Anne Lavigne
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et des Services Sociaux de la Capitale Nationale, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Samaneh Mansouri
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et des Services Sociaux de la Capitale Nationale, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Anne-Marie Gagné
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et des Services Sociaux de la Capitale Nationale, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Kimberley Francis
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et des Services Sociaux de la Capitale Nationale, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Thibault P Bittar
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et des Services Sociaux de la Capitale Nationale, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Francis Quessy
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et des Services Sociaux de la Capitale Nationale, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Khaled Abdallah
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et des Services Sociaux de la Capitale Nationale, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Annie Barbeau
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et des Services Sociaux de la Capitale Nationale, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marc Hébert
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et des Services Sociaux de la Capitale Nationale, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Benoit Labonté
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et des Services Sociaux de la Capitale Nationale, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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5
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Aseervatham J, Li X, Mitchell CK, Lin YP, Heidelberger R, O’Brien J. Calmodulin Binding to Connexin 35: Specializations to Function as an Electrical Synapse. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6346. [PMID: 32882943 PMCID: PMC7504508 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Calmodulin binding is a nearly universal property of gap junction proteins, imparting a calcium-dependent uncoupling behavior that can serve in an emergency to decouple a stressed cell from its neighbors. However, gap junctions that function as electrical synapses within networks of neurons routinely encounter large fluctuations in local cytoplasmic calcium concentration; frequent uncoupling would be impractical and counterproductive. We have studied the properties and functional consequences of calmodulin binding to the electrical synapse protein Connexin 35 (Cx35 or gjd2b), homologous to mammalian Connexin 36 (Cx36 or gjd2). We find that specializations in Cx35 calmodulin binding sites make it relatively impervious to moderately high levels of cytoplasmic calcium. Calmodulin binding to a site in the C-terminus causes uncoupling when calcium reaches low micromolar concentrations, a behavior prevented by mutations that eliminate calmodulin binding. However, milder stimuli promote calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II activity that potentiates coupling without interference from calmodulin binding. A second calmodulin binding site in the end of the Cx35 cytoplasmic loop, homologous to a calmodulin binding site present in many connexins, binds calmodulin with very low affinity and stoichiometry. Together, the calmodulin binding sites cause Cx35 to uncouple only at extreme levels of intracellular calcium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Aseervatham
- Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (J.A.); (X.L.); (C.K.M.); (Y.-P.L.)
| | - Xiaofan Li
- Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (J.A.); (X.L.); (C.K.M.); (Y.-P.L.)
| | - Cheryl K. Mitchell
- Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (J.A.); (X.L.); (C.K.M.); (Y.-P.L.)
| | - Ya-Ping Lin
- Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (J.A.); (X.L.); (C.K.M.); (Y.-P.L.)
| | - Ruth Heidelberger
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- The MD Anderson Cancer Center/UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - John O’Brien
- Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (J.A.); (X.L.); (C.K.M.); (Y.-P.L.)
- The MD Anderson Cancer Center/UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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6
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Morioka E, Kanda Y, Koizumi H, Miyamoto T, Ikeda M. Histamine Regulates Molecular Clock Oscillations in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells via H 1 Receptors. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:108. [PMID: 29615980 PMCID: PMC5867311 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate eyes are known to contain circadian clocks, but their regulatory mechanisms remain largely unknown. To address this, we used a cell line from human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE-YC) with stable coexpression of reporters for molecular clock oscillations (Bmal1-luciferase) and intracellular Ca2+ concentrations (YC3.6). We observed concentration-dependent increases in cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations after treatment with histamine (1-100 µM) and complete suppression of histamine-induced Ca2+ mobilizations by H1 histamine receptor (H1R) antagonist d-chlorpheniramine (d-CPA) in hRPE-YC cells. Consistently, real-time RT-PCR assays revealed that H1R showed the highest expression among the four subtypes (H1-H4) of histamine receptors in hRPE-YC cells. Stimulation of hRPE-YC cells with histamine transiently increased nuclear localization of phosphorylated Ca2+/cAMP-response element-binding protein that regulates clock gene transcriptions. Administration of histamine also shifted the Bmal1-luciferase rhythms with a type-1 phase-response curve, similar to previous results with carbachol stimulations. Treatment of hRPE-YC cells with d-CPA or with more specific H1R antagonist, ketotifen, blocked the histamine-induced phase shifts. Furthermore, an H2 histamine receptor agonist, amthamine, had little effect on the Bmal1-luciferase rhythms. Although the function of the in vivo histaminergic system within the eye remains obscure, the present results suggest histaminergic control of the molecular clock via H1R in retinal pigment epithelial cells. Also, since d-CPA and ketotifen have been widely used (e.g., to treat allergy and inflammation) in our daily life and thus raise a possible cause for circadian rhythm disorders by improper use of antihistamines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eri Morioka
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yuzuki Kanda
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hayato Koizumi
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Tsubasa Miyamoto
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Masayuki Ikeda
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- *Correspondence: Masayuki Ikeda,
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7
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The Effect of Histamine on Inward and Outward Currents in Mouse Retinal Amacrine Cells. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2017; 38:757-767. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-017-0542-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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8
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Maddox JW, Gleason E. Nitric oxide promotes GABA release by activating a voltage-independent Ca 2+ influx pathway in retinal amacrine cells. J Neurophysiol 2017; 117:1185-1199. [PMID: 28053242 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00803.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal amacrine cells express nitric oxide (NO) synthase and produce NO, making NO available to regulate the function of amacrine cells. Here we test the hypothesis that NO can alter the GABAergic synaptic output of amacrine cells. We investigate this using whole cell voltage clamp recordings and Ca2+ imaging of cultured chick retinal amacrine cells. When recording from amacrine cells receiving synaptic input from other amacrine cells, we find that NO increases GABAergic spontaneous postsynaptic current (sPSC) frequency. This increase in sPSC frequency does not require the canonical NO receptor, soluble guanylate cyclase, or presynaptic action potentials. However, removal of extracellular Ca2+ and buffering of cytosolic Ca2+ both inhibit the response to NO. In Ca2+ imaging experiments, we confirm that NO increases cytosolic Ca2+ in amacrine cell processes by activating a Ca2+ influx pathway. Neither the increase in sPSC frequency nor the cytosolic Ca2+ elevations are dependent upon Ca2+ release from stores. NO also enhances evoked GABAergic responses. Because voltage-gated Ca2+ channel function is not altered by NO, the increased evoked response is likely due to the combined effect of voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx adding to the NO-dependent, voltage-independent, Ca2+ influx. Insight into the identity of the Ca2+ influx pathway is provided by the transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channel inhibitor clemizole, which prevents the NO-dependent increase in sPSC frequency and cytosolic Ca2+ elevations. These data suggest that NO production in the inner retina will enhance Ca2+-dependent GABA release from amacrine cells by activating TRPC channel(s).NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our research provides evidence that nitric oxide (NO) promotes GABAergic output from retinal amacrine cells by activating a likely transient receptor potential canonical-mediated Ca2+ influx pathway. This NO-dependent mechanism promoting GABA release can be voltage independent, suggesting that, in the retina, local NO production can bypass the formal retinal circuitry and increase local inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wesley Maddox
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - Evanna Gleason
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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9
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Greferath U, Vessey KA, Jobling AI, Mills SA, Bui BV, He Z, Nag N, Ohtsu H, Fletcher EL. The role of histamine in the retina: studies on the Hdc knockout mouse. PLoS One 2014; 9:e116025. [PMID: 25545149 PMCID: PMC4278841 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of histamine in the retina is not well understood, despite it regulating a number of functions within the brain, including sleep, feeding, energy balance, and anxiety. In this study we characterized the structure and function of the retina in mice that lacked expression of the rate limiting enzyme in the formation of histamine, histidine decarboxylase (Hdc−/− mouse). Using laser capture microdissection, Hdc mRNA expression was assessed in the inner and outer nuclear layers of adult C57Bl6J wildtype (WT) and Hdc−/−-retinae. In adult WT and Hdc−/−-mice, retinal fundi were imaged, retinal structure was assessed using immunocytochemistry and function was probed by electroretinography. Blood flow velocity was assessed by quantifying temporal changes in the dynamic fluorescein angiography in arterioles and venules. In WT retinae, Hdc gene expression was detected in the outer nuclear layer, but not the inner nuclear layer, while the lack of Hdc expression was confirmed in the Hdc−/− retina. Preliminary examination of the fundus and retinal structure of the widely used Hdc−/−mouse strain revealed discrete lesions across the retina that corresponded to areas of photoreceptor abnormality reminiscent of the rd8 (Crb1) mutation. This was confirmed after genotyping and the strain designated Hdcrd8/rd8. In order to determine the effect of the lack of Hdc-alone on the retina, Hdc−/− mice free of the Crb1 mutation were bred. Retinal fundi appeared normal in these animals and there was no difference in retinal structure, macrogliosis, nor any change in microglial characteristics in Hdc−/− compared to wildtype retinae. In addition, retinal function and retinal blood flow dynamics showed no alterations in the Hdc−/− retina. Overall, these results suggest that histamine plays little role in modulating retinal structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Greferath
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kirstan A. Vessey
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew I. Jobling
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samuel A. Mills
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bang V. Bui
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zheng He
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nupur Nag
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hiroshi Ohtsu
- Department of Engineering, Medical School of Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Erica L. Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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10
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Allen AE, Storchi R, Martial FP, Petersen RS, Montemurro MA, Brown TM, Lucas RJ. Melanopsin-driven light adaptation in mouse vision. Curr Biol 2014; 24:2481-90. [PMID: 25308073 PMCID: PMC4228053 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2014.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In bright light, mammals use a distinct photopigment (melanopsin) to measure irradiance for centrally mediated responses such as circadian entrainment. We aimed to determine whether the information generated by melanopsin is also used by the visual system as a signal for light adaptation. To this end, we compared retinal and thalamic responses to a range of artificial and natural visual stimuli presented using spectral compositions that either approximate the mouse's experience of natural daylight ("daylight") or are selectively depleted of wavelengths to which melanopsin is most sensitive ("mel-low"). RESULTS We found reproducible and reversible changes in the flash electroretinogram between daylight and mel-low. Simultaneous recording in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) revealed that these reflect changes in feature selectivity of visual circuits in both temporal and spatial dimensions. A substantial fraction of units preferred finer spatial patterns in the daylight condition, while the population of direction-sensitive units became tuned to faster motion. The dLGN contained a richer, more reliable encoding of natural scenes in the daylight condition. These effects were absent in mice lacking melanopsin. CONCLUSIONS The feature selectivity of many neurons in the mouse dLGN is adjusted according to a melanopsin-dependent measure of environmental brightness. These changes originate, at least in part, within the retina. Melanopsin performs a role analogous to a photographer's light meter, providing an independent measure of irradiance that determines optimal setting for visual circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette E Allen
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Manchester University, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
| | - Riccardo Storchi
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Manchester University, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Franck P Martial
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Manchester University, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Rasmus S Petersen
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Manchester University, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Marcelo A Montemurro
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Manchester University, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Timothy M Brown
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Manchester University, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Robert J Lucas
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Manchester University, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
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