Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Immunohistochemical and Calcium Imaging Methods in Wholemount Rat Retina
Published on: October 13, 2014
Differentially distributed IP3 receptors and Ca2+ signaling in rod bipolar cells
Peter Koulen1, Jiao Wei, Christian Madry
1Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76107-2699, USA. pkoulen@hsc.unt.edu
Purpose:
Inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) contribute substantially to cytosolic free calcium ion (Ca2+) concentration transients and thereby modulate neuronal function. The present study was undertaken to determine the contribution of IP3Rs to the function of rod bipolar cells in the retina.
Methods:
Immunoreactivity for IP3Rs in rod bipolar cells from mouse retinas was detected by immunocytochemical methods. Intracellular Ca2+ concentrations were optically recorded in acutely isolated rod bipolar cells, and biophysical properties of IP3Rs were analyzed with single channel electrophysiology.
Results:
The distribution of IP3R isoforms was correlated with cytosolic Ca2+ transients induced by activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) and with biophysical properties of differentially expressed IP3Rs.
Conclusions:
The differential distribution of IP3Rs is used by rod bipolar cells to convey Ca2+ signals that are distinct in their duration, amplitude, and kinetics at the subcellular level, and that serve the functions of individual subcellular compartments. IP3R-mediated Ca2+ signaling indicates a potential mechanism for the adaptation of the ON-pathway of vision and for coincidence and threshold detection in retinal neurons.
Related Concept Videos
IP3/DAG Signaling Pathway
G-Protein Gated Ion Channels
Sensory organs,...
The Retina

