Opponent-processing effects on the field spectral sensitivity of pattern-elicited electroretinograms
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Updated: Jul 29, 2026

Using the Electroretinogram to Assess Function in the Rodent Retina and the Protective Effects of Remote Limb Ischemic Preconditioning
Published on: June 9, 2015
S Wu1
1Psychology Department, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115.
Abstract:
Field spectral sensitivities of the pattern-elicited electroretinogram (PERG) were obtained from two subjects using a modified version of Stiles' two-color increment threshold procedure. A 540 nm checkerboard test pattern of 38 degrees dia was alternated at 8 Hz on a uniform adapting field of the same size. Test intensity, field wavelength and field intensity were varied parametrically. The derived field spectral sensitivity does not resemble that of any individual class of cones; it roughly approximates the photopic luminosity function V lambda, but with sensitivity dips at 540 and 600 nm, which may be associated with an adaptation of the red/green (R/G) opponent site. Thus, it is proposed that the PERG reflect activities in both the luminance and the R/G opponent channels.
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