Physiologic diversity and development of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells

Daniel C. Tu, Dongyang Zhang, Jay Demas, Elon B. Slutsky, Ignacio Provencio, Timothy E. Holy, Russell N. Van Gelder

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

196 Scopus citations

Abstract

Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) mediate numerous nonvisual phenomena, including entrainment of the circadian clock to light-dark cycles, pupillary light responsiveness, and light-regulated hormone release. We have applied multielectrode array recording to characterize murine ipRGCs. We find that all ipRGC photosensitivity is melanopsin dependent. At least three populations of ipRGCs are present in the postnatal day 8 (P8) murine retina: slow onset, sensitive, fast off (type I); slow onset, insensitive, slow off (type II); and rapid onset, sensitive, very slow off (type III). Recordings from adult rd/rd retinas reveal cells comparable to postnatal types II and III. Recordings from early postnatal retinas demonstrate intrinsic light responses from P0. Early light responses are transient and insensitive but by P6 show increased photosensitivity and persistence. These results demonstrate that ipRGCs are the first light-sensitive cells in the retina and suggest previously unappreciated diversity in this cell population.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)987-999
Number of pages13
JournalNeuron
Volume48
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 22 2005
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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