Fine structure of the retinal rods and cones in the domestic pig

1983 ◽  
Vol 220 (6) ◽  
pp. 273-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlie R. Braekevelt
Keyword(s):  
Fine Structure ◽  
Domestic Pig ◽  
Rods And Cones ◽  
Retinal Rods

scholarly journals ELECTRON MICROSCOPE OBSERVATIONS ON SYNAPTIC VESICLES IN SYNAPSES OF THE RETINAL RODS AND CONES

1956 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo De Robertis ◽  
Carlos M. Franchi
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscope ◽  
Synaptic Vesicles ◽  
Sharp Decrease ◽  
Albino Rabbit ◽  
Synaptic Membrane ◽  
Complete Darkness ◽  
Rods And Cones ◽  
Retinal Rods ◽  
Filamentous Material ◽  
Rod Cell

The submicroscopic organization of the rod and cone synapses of the albino rabbit has been investigated with the use of the electron microscope. The most common rod synapse consists of an enlarged expansion of the rod fiber (the so called spherule) into which the dendritic postsynaptic fiber of the bipolar cell penetrates and digitates. The membrane surrounding the terminal consists of a double layer, the external of which is interpreted as belonging to the intervening glial cells. The synaptic membrane has a pre- and a postsynaptic layer with a total thickness of 180 to 300 A. The presynaptic layer is frequently denser and is intimately associated with the adjacent synaptic vesicles. The synaptic membrane shows processes constituted by foldings of the presynaptic layer. The entire spherule is filled with synaptic vesicles varying in diameter between 200 and 650 A with a mean of 386 A. In addition, the spherule contains a few large vacuoles near the rod fiber, interpreted as endoplasmic reticulum, and a matrix in which with high resolution a fine filamentous material can be observed. The postsynaptic fiber is homogeneous and usually does not show synaptic vesicles. In animals maintained in complete darkness for 24 hours vesicles appear to accumulate near the synaptic membrane and its processes. After 9 days there is a sharp decrease in size of the synaptic vesicles. A special rod synapse in which the dendritic postsynaptic expansion penetrates directly into the rod cell body has been identified. In line with Cajal's classification this type of synapse could be considered as a somatodendritic one. The cone synapse has a much larger terminal with a more complex relationship with the postsynaptic fiber. However, the same components recognized in the rod synapse can be observed. In animals maintained for 9 days in complete darkness there is also a considerable diminution in size of the synaptic vesicles.

PHOTOTRANSDUCTION IN RETINAL RODS AND CONES

Vision ◽  
2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
YIANNIS KOUTALOS ◽  
KEI NAKATANI ◽  
WEI-HONG XIONG ◽  
KING-WAI YAU
Keyword(s):  
Rods And Cones ◽  
Retinal Rods

scholarly journals FINE STRUCTURE OF THE EYE OF A CHAETOGNATH

1964 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard M. Eakin ◽  
Jane A. Westfall
Keyword(s):  
Fine Structure ◽  
Photoreceptor Cell ◽  
Sensory Cell ◽  
Pigment Cell ◽  
Evolutionary Relationship ◽  
Cell Process ◽  
Rods And Cones ◽  
Fine Structure And Function ◽  
And Function ◽  
Relationship Of

Electron microscopy reveals a star-like pigment cell at the center of the eye of the arrow-worm, Sagitta scrippsae. Between the arms of the pigment cell are clusters of photoreceptor cell processes, each process consisting of: (1) a tubular segment containing longitudinally arranged microtubules about 500 A in diameter and 20 µ in length; (2) a remarkable conical body, composed of cords and large granules, situated at the base of the tubular segment; and (3) a connecting piece which, like that of rods and cones, connects the process with the sensory cell proper and through which runs a fibrillar apparatus consisting of nine peripheral double tubules. Beneath the connecting piece lies a typical centriole with a striated rootlet. The receptor cell process is deeply recessed into the sensory cell which may possess a corona of microvilli at its inner surface. A nerve fiber arises from the outer end of the cell and passes into the optic nerve. Additional features are some supporting cells, an external layer of flattened epithelial cells, and an over-all investment of basement membrane and thick fibrous capsule. The fine structure and function of these elements of the eye are discussed in relation to earlier studies with the light microscope. The ciliary nature of the photoreceptor cell process in S. scrippsae points to a probable evolutionary relationship of chaetognaths to echinoderms and chordates.

scholarly journals THE FLICKER RESPONSE FUNCTION FOR THE TURTLE PSEUDEMYS

1939 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 311-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. J. Crozier ◽  
Ernst Wolf ◽  
Gertrud Zerrahn-Wolf
Keyword(s):  
Flash Intensity ◽  
Rods And Cones ◽  
Sensory Effects ◽  
Retinal Rods ◽  
Fixed Proportion ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Probability Integral ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Critical Intensity

1. At constant temperature, with a fixed proportion of light time in a flash cycle (namely, tL/tD = 1), the mean critical intensity for motor response to visual flicker by the turtle Pseudemys scripta follows a probability integral (log I) as a function of flash frequency F. The fit is close and satisfactory; certain quite minor but consistent deviations are adequately explained by features of the experiments. 2. The variation (σI) of critical I is directly proportional to the mean critical intensity (Im), over the entire explorable range. 3. These facts are consistent with the fact that the retina of this turtle is devoid of rods. It contains only cones, histologically, which, with their central representations, provide a single population of sensory effects. The properties of this population are compared with those of homologous populations deduced from corresponding measurements with other forms (various fishes; amphibian; man) which exhibit two such groups of sensory effects associated with the possession of retinal rods and cones. 4. Certain other formulations which have previously been applied to homologous data obtained with other organisms do not properly describe the Pseudemys measurements. 5. The use of a probability integral to describe the data of response to visual flicker for the dissection of the compound curves provided by animals possessing both rods and cones, is accordingly Justified. 6. Persisting differences among individuals of Pseudemys as regards the values of the critical flash intensity under various conditions of experimentation are of the same order of magnitude as are the transitory differences found in lots of other kinds of animals. 7. Determinations of mean critical flash frequency (Fm) at fixed levels of I lie slightly above determinations of Im at fixed values of I, as with other forms. The variation of critical flash frequency goes through a maximum as log I is increased; its height is lower than with certain other forms, in correlation with the low general slope of the F - log I curve (more properly, band). 8. These facts are consistent with the view that the dispersions of the individual critical intensities (and flash frequencies) are determined by organic variation rather than by "experimental error." 9. When the temperature is altered the F - log Im curve is shifted, with no change of Fmax. or of shape; the curve moves to lower intensities as the temperature is raised. 10. The reciprocal of the mean critical intensity, at fixed flash frequency, is a measure of excitability. With increase of temperature (12.5° to 36°) 1/Im for given F follows the Arrhenius equation, exhibiting a "break" at 29.5° (µ = 26,700, 12.5° to 29.5°; 12,400, 29.5° to 36°). This is explained by the necessary theory that, the number of elements of sensory effect required for the index response at fixed F being constant, the ease of their excitation is governed by temperature through its control of the velocity of an interrelated system of catalyzed processes common to all of the sensory elements concerned.

scholarly journals THE STRUCTURE AND CONCENTRATION OF SOLIDS IN PHOTORECEPTOR CELLS STUDIED BY REFRACTOMETRY AND INTERFERENCE MICROSCOPY

1957 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard L. Sidman
Keyword(s):  
Photoreceptor Cells ◽  
Interference Microscopy ◽  
Refractive Indices ◽  
Rod Outer Segments ◽  
Vertebrate Species ◽  
Rods And Cones ◽  
Outer Segments ◽  
Retinal Rods ◽  
Cone Cells ◽  
Longitudinal Fiber

Fragments of freshly obtained retinas of several vertebrate species were studied by refractometry, with reference to the structure of the rods and cones. The findings allowed a reassessment of previous descriptions based mainly on fixed material. The refractometric method was used also to measure the refractice indices and to calculate the concentrations of solids and water in the various cell segments. The main quantitative data were confirmed by interference microscopy. When examined by the method of refractometry the outer segments of freshly prepared retinal rods appear homogeneous. Within a few minutes a single eccentric longitudinal fiber appears, and transverse striations may develop. These changes are attributed to imbibition of water and swelling in structures normally too small for detection by light microscopy. The central "core" of outer segments and the chromophobic disc between outer and inner segments appear to be artifacts resulting from shrinkage during dehydration. The fresh outer segments of cones, and the inner segments of rods and cones also are described and illustrated. The volumes, refractive indices, concentrations of solids, and wet and dry weights of various segments of the photoreceptor cells were tabulated. Rod outer segments of the different species vary more than 100-fold in volume and mass but all have concentrations of solids of 40 to 43 per cent. Cone outer segments contain only about 30 per cent solids. The myoids, paraboloids, and ellipsoids of the inner segments likewise have characteristic refractive indices and concentrations of solids. Some of the limitations and particular virtues of refractometry as a method for quantitative analysis of living cells are discussed in comparison with more conventional biochemical techniques. Also the shapes and refractive indices of the various segments of photoreceptor cells are considered in relation to the absorption and transmission of light. The Stiles-Crawford effect can be accounted for on the basis of the structure of cone cells.

scholarly journals THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE VITELLINE BODY IN THE OOCYTE OF THE SPIDER TEGENARIA PARIETINA

1957 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 977-984 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean André ◽  
Charles Rouiller
Keyword(s):  
Fine Structure ◽  
Metabolic Activity ◽  
Central Zone ◽  
Mature Oocyte ◽  
Gradual Transition ◽  
Retinal Rods ◽  
Regular Arrangement

The vitelline body in the mature oocyte of the spider Tegenaria parietina is composed of 4 different zones. 1. The central zone contains granular areas, vesicles, and a few lamellae. 2. The lamellar zone consists of numerous concentric lamellae. These sheets, 45 A in thickness, are stacked in groups. The fine structure and the regular arrangement recall those of myelin sheets, retinal rods, and chloroplasts. Between the stacks of lamellae, finely granular masses and various vesicles are to be found. 3. The "zone of transition" consists of a finely granular substance accumulated in abundant masses. This substance is composed of very closely packed granules about 50 to 60 A in diameter. Very often, near the lamellae, the granules show alignment giving a gradual transition from grains to lamellae. 4. The vesicular zone contains ergastoplasm, dense particles, mitochondria, and Golgi material. It is suggested that the peculiar ultrastructure of these cytoplasmic components may be related to an intense metabolic activity.

A role for Ca2+ in excitation of retinal rods and cones

1974 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 299-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
W.A. Hagins ◽  
S. Yoshikami
Keyword(s):  
Rods And Cones ◽  
Retinal Rods

Calcium and light adaptation in retinal rods and cones

Nature ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 334 (6177) ◽  
pp. 69-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Nakatani ◽  
K.-W. Yau
Keyword(s):  
Light Adaptation ◽  
Rods And Cones ◽  
Retinal Rods

scholarly journals Directional sensitivity of the retina: 75 years of Stiles–Crawford effect

2008 ◽  
Vol 275 (1653) ◽  
pp. 2777-2786 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerald Westheimer
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Fine Structure ◽  
Luminous Efficiency ◽  
Visual Performance ◽  
Directional Sensitivity ◽  
Optical Parameters ◽  
Rods And Cones ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Ocular Aberrations ◽  
Membrane Anchoring

The reduction of the brightness when a light beam's entry into the eye is shifted from the centre to the edge of the pupil has from the outset been shown to be due to a change in luminous efficiency of radiation when it is incident obliquely on the retina. The phenomenon is most prominent in photopic vision and this has concentrated attention on the properties of retinal cones, where responsibility has yet to be assigned to factors such as differences in shape, fine structure and configuration, and membrane anchoring of photopigment molecules. Geometrical optics and waveguide formulations have been applied to the question of how light is guided in receptors, but details of their geometry and optical parameters even if they become available will make calculations complex and of only moderate generality. In practice, the diminution of oblique light helps visual performance by reducing deleterious influence of ocular aberrations and of glare caused by light scattering when the pupil is wide. Receptor orientation can come into play in ocular conditions due to mechanical disturbance and has been shown to have potentiality as a tool for clinical diagnosis. Currently, open questions include microanatomical and molecular differences between rods and cones, the coupling of the optical image of the eye with the transducing apparatus in the photoreceptors, possible phototropism and more convincing methods of estimating the actual spatial distribution of photon events as it affects visual resolution.

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