Work

Melanopsin Mediates Retrograde Visual Signaling in the Retina

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: The canonical flow of visual signals proceeds from outer to inner retina (photoreceptors → bipolar cells → ganglion cells). However, melanopsin-expressing ganglion cells are photosensitive and functional sustained light signaling to retinal dopaminergic interneurons persists in the absence of rods and cones. Here we show that the sustained-type light response of retinal dopamine neurons requires melanopsin and that the response is mediated by AMPA-type glutamate receptors, defining a retrograde retinal visual signaling pathway that fully reverses the usual flow of light signals in retinal circuits.

Source: PLoS ONE

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042647

Authors: Dao-Qi Zhang, Michael A. Belenky, Patricia J. Sollars, Gary E. Pickard, Douglas G. McMahon

Institutions: Oakland University, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Vanderbilt University

Language: English

Topic: Circadian rhythm and melatonin

Subfield: Endocrine and Autonomic Systems

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,382

Funders: Vanderbilt University, National Institutes of Health, National Eye Institute, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke