Nonuniform distribution and spectral tuning of photosensitive retinal ganglion cells of the mouse retina.

ABSTRACT: Melanopsin-expressing photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (pRGCs) represent a third class of retinal photoreceptor. These cells are intrinsically photosensitive, but also receive inputs from rod and cone photoreceptors, acting as the primary sensory conduit mediating non-image-forming responses to light. Multiple subtypes of pRGC have been described in the mouse retina with characteristic morphologies and functional properties, and which perform distinct physiological roles. Here, we examine the levels of melanopsin expression and distribution of pRGC subtypes across the mouse retina, identifying a previously unreported anatomical and functional specialization of the melanopsin system. Our results show a dorsal-ventral gradient in the expression of melanopsin and the distribution of pRGC

SUBMITTER: Hughes S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3770899 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature