Biophysical Variation within the M1 Type of Ganglion Cell Photoreceptor.

ABSTRACT: Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells of the M1 type encode environmental irradiance for functions that include circadian and pupillary regulation. Their distinct role, morphology, and molecular markers indicate that they are stereotyped circuit elements, but their physiological uniformity has not been investigated in a systematic fashion. We have profiled the biophysical parameters of mouse M1s and found that extreme variation is their hallmark. Most parameters span 1-3 log units, and the full range is evident in M1s that innervate brain regions serving divergent functions. Biophysical profiles differ among cells possessing similar morphology and between neighboring M1s recorded simultaneously. Variation in each parameter is largely independent of that in others, allowing fo

SUBMITTER: Emanuel AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5675019 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature