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Published on: October 13, 2016
Network oscillations in rod-degenerated mouse retinas
1Department of Systems and Computational Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, D-82152 Martinsried, Germany.
Summary
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in degeneration show aberrant rhythmic activity due to lateral excitation. This network oscillation mechanism may explain visual disturbances and inform treatments for retinitis pigmentosa.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Retinal Physiology
- Degenerative Diseases
Background:
- Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) transmit visual information, but this is impaired in retinal degeneration due to photoreceptor loss.
- In the rd1 mouse model, RGCs show preserved properties but exhibit abnormal rhythmic activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify aberrant activity in rd1 retinas.
- To investigate the underlying mechanisms of this rhythmic RGC activity.
Main Methods:
- Extracellular recordings using a multi-transistor array.
- Simultaneous recording of RGC spiking and local field potentials (LFPs).
- Pharmacological manipulation of neurotransmitter receptors and electrical synapses.
Main Results:
- Most RGCs displayed rhythmic (7-10 Hz) but asynchronous spiking activity.
- Spiking correlated with LFPs, indicating synchronized excitatory input.
- LFPs propagated across the retina and were blocked by targeting ionotropic glutamate receptors or electrical synapses.
Conclusions:
- Lateral excitation via electrically coupled interneurons drives large-scale retinal network oscillations in rd1 mice.
- This mechanism may explain photopsias in blind patients and is relevant for retinitis pigmentosa treatment strategies.
