scholarly journals Cell Types and Synapses Expressing the SNARE Complex Regulating Proteins Complexin 1 and Complexin 2 in Mammalian Retina

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (15) ◽  
pp. 8131
Author(s):  
Uwe Thorsten Lux ◽  
Johanna Ehrenberg ◽  
Anneka Joachimsthaler ◽  
Jenny Atorf ◽  
Bianca Pircher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knockout Mice ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Amacrine Cells ◽  
Snare Complex ◽  
Visual Signals ◽  
Specific Distribution ◽  
Mammalian Retina ◽  
Vesicle Exocytosis ◽  
Chemical Synapses ◽  
Single Knockout

Complexins (Cplxs) 1 to 4 are components of the presynaptic compartment of chemical synapses where they regulate important steps in synaptic vesicle exocytosis. In the retina, all four Cplxs are present, and while we know a lot about Cplxs 3 and 4, little is known about Cplxs 1 and 2. Here, we performed in situ hybridization experiments and bioinformatics and exploited Cplx 1 and Cplx 2 single-knockout mice combined with immunocytochemistry and light microscopy to characterize in detail the cell type and synapse-specific distribution of Cplx 1 and Cplx 2. We found that Cplx 2 and not Cplx 1 is the main isoform expressed in normal and displaced amacrine cells and ganglion cells in mouse retinae and that amacrine cells seem to operate with a single Cplx isoform at their conventional chemical synapses. Surprising was the finding that retinal function, determined with electroretinographic recordings, was altered in Cplx 1 but not Cplx 2 single-knockout mice. In summary, the results provide an important basis for future studies on the function of Cplxs 1 and 2 in the processing of visual signals in the mammalian retina.

A comparison of receptive-field and tracer-coupling size of amacrine and ganglion cells in the rabbit retina

1997 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 1153-1165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stewart A. Bloomfield ◽  
Daiyan Xin
Keyword(s):  
Receptive Field ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Electrical Coupling ◽  
Receptive Fields ◽  
Amacrine Cells ◽  
Visual Signals ◽  
Lateral Spread ◽  
Field Size ◽  
Electrical Networks ◽  
Mammalian Retina

AbstractRecent studies have shown that amacrine and ganglion cells in the mammalian retina are extensively coupled as revealed by the intercellular movement of the biotinylated tracers biocytin and Neurobiotin. These demonstrations of tracer coupling suggest that electrical networks formed by proximal neurons (i.e. amacrine and ganglion cells) may underlie the lateral propagation of signals across the inner retina. We studied this question by comparing the receptive-field size, dendritic-field size, and extent of tracer coupling of amacrine and ganglion cells in the dark-adapted, supervised, isolated retina eyecup of the rabbit. Our results indicate that while the center-receptive fields of proximal neurons are approximately 15% larger than their corresponding dendritic diameters, this slight difference can be explained by factors other than electrical coupling such as tissue shrinkage associated with histological processing. However, the extent of tracer coupling of amacrine and ganglion cells was, on average, about twice the size of the corresponding receptive fields. Thus, the receptive field of an individual proximal neuron matched far more closely to its dendritic diameter than to the size of the tracer-coupled network of cells to which it belonged. The exception to this rule was the AII amacrine cells for which center-receptive fields were 2–3 times the size of their dendritic diameters but matched closely to the size of the tracer-coupled arrays. Thus, with the exception of AII cells, our data indicate that tracer coupling between proximal neurons is not associated with an enlargement of their receptive fields. Our results, then, provide no evidence for electrical coupling or, at least, indicate that extensive lateral spread of visual signals does not occur in the proximal mammalian retina.

scholarly journals Feedback from retinal ganglion cells to the inner retina

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0254611
Author(s):  
Anastasiia Vlasiuk ◽  
Hiroki Asari
Keyword(s):  
Gap Junctions ◽  
Retinal Ganglion Cells ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Amacrine Cells ◽  
Visual Signals ◽  
Visual Response ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Inner Retina ◽  
Feature Selectivity ◽  
Chemical Synapses

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are thought to be strictly postsynaptic within the retina. They carry visual signals from the eye to the brain, but do not make chemical synapses onto other retinal neurons. Nevertheless, they form gap junctions with other RGCs and amacrine cells, providing possibilities for RGC signals to feed back into the inner retina. Here we identified such feedback circuitry in the salamander and mouse retinas. First, using biologically inspired circuit models, we found mutual inhibition among RGCs of the same type. We then experimentally determined that this effect is mediated by gap junctions with amacrine cells. Finally, we found that this negative feedback lowers RGC visual response gain without affecting feature selectivity. The principal neurons of the retina therefore participate in a recurrent circuit much as those in other brain areas, not being a mere collector of retinal signals, but are actively involved in visual computations.

scholarly journals Feedback from retinal ganglion cells to the inner retina

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastasiia Vlasiuk ◽  
Hiroki Asari
Keyword(s):  
Gap Junctions ◽  
Retinal Ganglion Cells ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Amacrine Cells ◽  
Visual Signals ◽  
Visual Response ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Inner Retina ◽  
Feature Selectivity ◽  
Chemical Synapses

AbstractRetinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are thought to be strictly postsynaptic within the retina. They carry visual signals from the eye to the brain, but do not make chemical synapses onto other retinal neurons. Nevertheless, they form gap junctions with other RGCs and amacrine cells, providing possibilities for RGC signals to feed back into the inner retina. Here we identified such feedback circuitry in the salamander and mouse retinas. First, using biologically inspired circuit models, we found mutual inhibition among RGCs of the same type. We then experimentally determined that this effect is mediated by gap junctions with amacrine cells. Finally, we found that this negative feedback lowers RGC visual response gain without affecting feature selectivity. The principal neurons of the retina therefore participate in a recurrent circuit much as those in other brain areas, not being a mere collector of retinal signals, but are actively involved in visual computations.

A role for 5HT3 receptors in visual processing in the mammalian retina

1993 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 511-522 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Brunken ◽  
Xiao-Tao Jin
Keyword(s):  
Visual Processing ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
Phosphatidyl Inositol ◽  
Amacrine Cells ◽  
Bipolar Cells ◽  
Reciprocal Effect ◽  
Mammalian Retina ◽  
Messenger System

AbstractWe investigated the role of 5HT3 receptors in the mammalian retina using electrophysiological techniques to monitor ganglion cell activity. Activation of 5HT3 receptors with the selective agonist 1-phenylbiguanide (PBG) increased the ON responses of ON-center ganglion cells, while decreasing the OFF responses of OFF-center cells. The application of a selective 5HT3 antagonist had a reciprocal effect, namely it reduced the center response in ON-center cells and concomitantly increased the center responses in OFF-center cells. Since putative serotoninergic amacrine cells in the retina are connected specifically to the rod bipolar cell, these agents most likely affect the rod bipolar terminal. These data, together with previous studies, suggest that both 5HT2 and 5HT3 receptors mediate an excitatory influence which serves to facilitate the output from rod bipolar cells, the former via a phosphatidyl inositol second-messenger system, and the latter via a direction channel.

scholarly journals A unique and evolutionarily conserved retinal interneuron relays rod and cone input to the inner plexiform layer

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brent K. Young ◽  
Charu Ramakrishnan ◽  
Tushar Ganjawala ◽  
Yumei Li ◽  
Sangbae Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Processing ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Plexiform Layer ◽  
Amacrine Cells ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Visual Signals ◽  
Inner Plexiform Layer ◽  
Inhibitory Neurotransmitter ◽  
Molecular Features ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved

AbstractNeurons in the CNS are distinguished from each other by their morphology, the types of the neurotransmitter they release, their synaptic connections, and their genetic profiles. While attempting to characterize the retinal bipolar cell (BC) input to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), we discovered a previously undescribed type of interneuron in mice and primates. This interneuron shares some morphological, physiological, and molecular features with traditional BCs, such as having dendrites that ramify in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) and axons that ramify in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) to relay visual signals from photoreceptors to inner retinal neurons. It also shares some features with amacrine cells, particularly Aii amacrine cells, such as their axonal morphology and possibly the release of the inhibitory neurotransmitter glycine, along with the expression of some amacrine cell specific markers. Thus, we unveil an unrecognized type of interneuron, which may play unique roles in vision.Significance StatementCell types are the building blocks upon which neural circuitry is based. In the retina, it is widely believed that all neuronal types have been identified. We describe a cell type, which we call the Campana cell, that does not fit into the conventional neuronal retina categories but is evolutionarily conserved. Unlike retinal bipolar cells, the Campana cell receives synaptic input from both rods and cones, has broad axonal ramifications, and may release an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Unlike retinal amacrine cells, the Campana cell receives direct photoreceptor input has bipolar-like ribbon synapses. With this discovery, we open the possibility for new forms of visual processing in the retina.

Co-stratification of GABAA receptors with the directionally selective circuitry of the rat retina

1995 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 345-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.H. Brandstätter ◽  
U. Greferath ◽  
T. Euler ◽  
H. Wässle
Keyword(s):  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Glutamate Transporter ◽  
Plexiform Layer ◽  
Amacrine Cells ◽  
Bipolar Cells ◽  
Double Labelling ◽  
Inner Plexiform Layer ◽  
Axon Terminals ◽  
Mammalian Retina ◽  
Cholinergic Amacrine Cells

AbstractDirection-selective (DS) ganglion cells of the mammalian retina have their dendrites in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) confined to two narrow strata. The same strata are also occupied by the dendrites of cholinergic amacrine cells which are probably presynaptic to the DS ganglion cells. GABA is known to play a crucial role in creating DS responses. We examined the types of GABAA receptors expressed by the cholinergic amacrine cells and also those expressed by their presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons, by applying immunocytochemical markers to vertical sections of rat retinas. Double-labelling experiments with antibodies against choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and specific antibodies against different GABAA receptor subunits were performed. Cholinergic amacrine cells seem to express an unusual combination of GABAA receptor subunits consisting of α2-, β1-, β2/3-, γ2-, and δ-subunits. Bipolar cells, which could provide synaptic input to the DS circuitry, were stained with antibodies against the glutamate transporter GLT-1. The axon terminals of these bipolar cells are narrowly stratified in close proximity to the dendritic plexus of displaced cholinergic amacrine cells. The retinal distribution of synaptoporin, a synaptic vesicle associated protein, was studied. Strong reduction of immunolabelling was observed in the two cholinergic strata. The anatomical findings are discussed in the context of models of the DS circuitry of the mammalian retina.

scholarly journals Receptive field properties of bipolar cell axon terminals in direction-selective sublaminas of the mouse retina

2014 ◽  
Vol 112 (8) ◽  
pp. 1950-1962 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minggang Chen ◽  
Seunghoon Lee ◽  
Silvia J. H. Park ◽  
Loren L. Looger ◽  
Z. Jimmy Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Receptive Field ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Amacrine Cells ◽  
Direction Selectivity ◽  
Bipolar Cells ◽  
Visual Signals ◽  
Mouse Retina ◽  
Patch Clamp Recording ◽  
Axon Terminals ◽  
Starburst Amacrine Cells

Retinal bipolar cells (BCs) transmit visual signals in parallel channels from the outer to the inner retina, where they provide glutamatergic inputs to specific networks of amacrine and ganglion cells. Intricate network computation at BC axon terminals has been proposed as a mechanism for complex network computation, such as direction selectivity, but direct knowledge of the receptive field property and the synaptic connectivity of the axon terminals of various BC types is required in order to understand the role of axonal computation by BCs. The present study tested the essential assumptions of the presynaptic model of direction selectivity at axon terminals of three functionally distinct BC types that ramify in the direction-selective strata of the mouse retina. Results from two-photon Ca2+ imaging, optogenetic stimulation, and dual patch-clamp recording demonstrated that 1) CB5 cells do not receive fast GABAergic synaptic feedback from starburst amacrine cells (SACs); 2) light-evoked and spontaneous Ca2+ responses are well coordinated among various local regions of CB5 axon terminals; 3) CB5 axon terminals are not directionally selective; 4) CB5 cells consist of two novel functional subtypes with distinct receptive field structures; 5) CB7 cells provide direct excitatory synaptic inputs to, but receive no direct GABAergic synaptic feedback from, SACs; and 6) CB7 axon terminals are not directionally selective, either. These findings help to simplify models of direction selectivity by ruling out complex computation at BC terminals. They also show that CB5 comprises two functional subclasses of BCs.

Temporal Modulation of Scotopic Visual Signals by A17 Amacrine Cells in Mammalian Retina In Vivo

2003 ◽  
Vol 89 (4) ◽  
pp. 2159-2166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cun-Jian Dong ◽  
William A. Hare
Keyword(s):  
Light Intensity ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Amacrine Cells ◽  
Bipolar Cells ◽  
Visual Signals ◽  
Temporal Properties ◽  
Mammalian Retina ◽  
Show Evidence ◽  
Light Stimuli

We examined function of the feedback pathway from A17 GABAergic amacrine cells to rod bipolar cells (A17 feedback), a critically located inhibitory circuit in the classic rod pathway of the mammalian retina whose role in processing of scotopic visual information is still poorly understood. We show evidence that this A17 feedback has a profound influence on the temporal properties of rod-driven postphotoreceptoral responses (assessed with the scotopic electroretinogram b-wave). Application of a GABAcantagonist prolonged preferentially the decay of the scotopic b-wave. The degree of prolongation increased as the light intensity decreased. Application of selective GABAa antagonists accelerated the kinetics of the scotopic b-wave. This effect was abolished when the GABAc antagonist was coapplied. Selective ablation of A17 cells mimicked the action of the GABAc antagonist. In A17 cell–ablated retinas, the GABAc antagonist was no longer very effective to slow the decay of the scotopic b-wave. Thus the A17 feedback, activated by light stimulation and mediated mainly by the GABAc receptors, makes the scotopic b-wave more transient by accelerating preferentially its decay. The strength of the feedback can be modulated by GABAa receptor–mediated inhibition and by light intensity. Our results also suggest that in the mammalian retina the feedback may be a novel mechanism that contributes postphotoreceptorally to the termination of rod signals, especially those elicited by very dim light stimuli.

Displaced cholinergic, GABAergic amacrine cells in the rabbit retina also contain adenosine

1989 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 425-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Blazynski
Keyword(s):  
Ganglion Cell Layer ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Cell Layer ◽  
Amacrine Cells ◽  
Aminobutyric Acid ◽  
Rabbit Retina ◽  
Retinal Neurons ◽  
Mammalian Retina ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Fast Acting

AbstractIt is generally accepted that the purine nucleoside, adenosine, plays a neuromodulatory role in the central nervous system (CNS) (Daly et al., 1981; Phillis ' Wu, 1983; Williams, 1986; Williams, 1987; Snyder, 1985). Adenosine is thought to exert its primary effects presynaptically, by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters including ³-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and acetylcholine (ACh) (Phillis ' Barraco, 1985; Proctor ' Dunwiddie, 1987). In mammalian retina, cell bodies that are strongly labeled for adenosine-like immunoreactivity (ALIR) have been localized to the ganglion cell layer (GCL) (Braas et al., 1987; Blazynski et al., 1989). Rabbit retinal cells that are labeled by markers for both ACh and GABA are located in the GCL and inner nuclear layer (INL) (Tauchi ' Masland, 1984; Vaney ' Young, 1988b; Brecha et al., 1988). It is now demonstrated in the rabbit retina that approximately 50% of the cells labeled for ALIR within the GCL represent true ganglion cells, with the remainder presumed to be displaced cholinergic amacrine cells (DAPI accumulating). In addition, some of these same cells also demonstrate immunoreactivity to glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), involved in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitter GABA. Thus, in a particular class of retinal neurons, two fast-acting neurotransmitters as well as a putative neuromodulator have been co-localized.

scholarly journals A high frequency resonance in the responses of retinal ganglion cells to rapidly modulated stimuli: A computer model

2006 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 779-794 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.A. MILLER ◽  
K.S. DENNING ◽  
J.S. GEORGE ◽  
D.W. MARSHAK ◽  
G.T. KENYON
Keyword(s):  
Computer Model ◽  
Visual Processing ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Transfer Functions ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Amacrine Cells ◽  
Visual Signals ◽  
Phase Advance ◽  
Frequency Resonance ◽  
High Frequency Resonance

Brisk Y-type ganglion cells in the cat retina exhibit a high frequency resonance (HFR) in their responses to large, rapidly modulated stimuli. We used a computer model to test whether negative feedback mediated by axon-bearing amacrine cells onto ganglion cells could account for the experimentally observed properties of HFRs. Temporal modulation transfer functions (tMTFs) recorded from model ganglion cells exhibited HFR peaks whose amplitude, width, and locations were qualitatively consistent with experimental data. Moreover, the wide spatial distribution of axon-mediated feedback accounted for the observed increase in HFR amplitude with stimulus size. Model phase plots were qualitatively similar to those recorded from Y ganglion cells, including an anomalous phase advance that in our model coincided with the amplification of low-order harmonics that overlapped the HFR peak. When axon-mediated feedback in the model was directed primarily to bipolar cells, whose synaptic output was graded, or else when the model was replaced with a simple cascade of linear filters, it was possible to produce large HFR peaks but the region of anomalous phase advance was always eliminated, suggesting the critical involvement of strongly non-linear feedback loops. To investigate whether HFRs might contribute to visual processing, we simulated high frequency ocular tremor by rapidly modulating a naturalistic image. Visual signals riding on top of the imposed jitter conveyed an enhanced representation of large objects. We conclude that by amplifying responses to ocular tremor, HFRs may selectively enhance the processing of large image features.

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