Effects of chemicals on receptors and horizontal cells in the retina

J Physiol. 1972 Dec;227(3):899-913. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.1972.sp010065.

Abstract

1. By applying atomized chemical solutions on to gecko and carp retinae, neuropharmacological reactions of the photoreceptors and horizontal cells were observed.2. Sodium L-glutamate and L-aspartate, glycine, ACh and GABA, had no appreciable effect on the photoreceptor activity.3. Carp horizontal cells were depolarized by both L-glutamate and L-aspartate. When maximally depolarized, the action of the endogenous transmitter from the receptor terminals was completely masked, resulting in abolition of the S-potentials.4. Responses to red light in both L- and C-type horizontal cells were more strongly affected by aspartate than responses to blue light.5. Glycine and GABA hyperpolarized the horizontal cells, and the S-potentials were diminished.6. ACh had no effect on the activity of the horizontal cells.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholine / pharmacology
  • Aminobutyrates / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Aspartic Acid / pharmacology
  • Color
  • Cyprinidae
  • Depression, Chemical
  • Electrophysiology
  • Electroretinography
  • Glutamates / pharmacology
  • Glycine / pharmacology
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Lizards
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / physiology
  • Photoreceptor Cells / drug effects*
  • Retina / drug effects*
  • Retina / physiology
  • Synapses / physiology

Substances

  • Aminobutyrates
  • Glutamates
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Aspartic Acid
  • Acetylcholine
  • Glycine