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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
In vivo Electroporation of Developing Mouse Retina
Published on: June 24, 2011
Development of synaptic arrays in the inner plexiform layer of neonatal mouse retina
Insights
This study tracked the development of conventional and ribbon synapses in mouse retinas from birth to day 33. Synapse formation occurred in three distinct phases, with significant increases and then a reduction in production rates around eye opening.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- The inner plexiform layer (IPL) of the retina is crucial for visual processing.
- Understanding synaptic development in the IPL is key to comprehending visual system maturation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the numerical density and formation rates of conventional and ribbon synapses in the mouse IPL.
- To analyze synaptic development over time, from birth to postnatal day 33.
Main Methods:
- Sampling of C57BL/6 mouse retinas at frequent intervals from birth to postnatal day 33.
- Determination of numerical density of conventional and ribbon synapses within the IPL.
- Analysis of synaptic array formation in three distinct developmental phases.
Main Results:
- Synaptic development occurred in three phases: Phase I (days 3-10) showed conventional synapse formation; Phase II (days 11-15) saw rapid formation of both conventional and ribbon synapses; Phase III (day 15 onwards) exhibited reduced production rates.
- Ribbon synapses reached a final mean density of 113/1,000 micrometer3, and conventional synapses reached 250/1,000 micrometer3.
- Serial synapses appeared in Phase II but remained at low densities.
Conclusions:
- Mouse retinal synaptic development in the IPL is a phased process.
- The rate of synapse production significantly changes around the time of eye opening (postnatal day 15).
- Distinct developmental trajectories exist for conventional and ribbon synapses in the IPL.
Abstract:
Retinas from mice of the C57BL/6 strain were sampled at frequent intervals from birth to postnatal day 33 to determine the numerical density of conventional and ribbon synapses within the inner plexiform layer (IPL) as a function of time. Synaptic arrays of the IPL were formed in three phases. During Phase I, from day 3 to day 10, conventional synapses were produced at a mean rate of 0.44 synapses/1,000 micrometer3/hour, but no ribbons were seen. During Phase II, from day 11 to day 15, ribbons formed at a rate of 0.38 ribbons/1,000 micrometer3/hour and conventional synapses were produced at a rate of 1.15 synapses/1,000 micrometer3/hour. Phase III began at day 15, the approximate time of eye opening in these animals, and was characterized by a sharp reduction in the rate of production of both ribbons and conventional synapses. During this phase ribbons achieved a final mean density of 113 ribbons/1,000 micrometer3 and conventionals achieved a final mean density of 250 synapses/1,000 micrometer3. Serial appeared in Phase II but remained at low densities.
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