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Action potentials in axonless horizontal cells isolated from the rabbit retina
R Blanco1, C F Vaquero, P de la Villa
1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
Neuroscience Letters
|January 12, 1996
Summary
Mammalian retinal horizontal cells can generate action potentials. This study demonstrates their ability to produce repetitive action potentials and calcium action potentials, revealing novel electrophysiological properties.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Retinal Physiology
- Cellular Electrophysiology
Background:
- Horizontal cells are key interneurons in the mammalian retina.
- Their electrophysiological properties, particularly action potential generation, are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electrophysiological properties of axonless horizontal cells from adult rabbit retinae.
- To determine if horizontal cells can generate action potentials.
Main Methods:
- Enzymatic dissociation of retinal horizontal cells.
- Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings.
- Voltage- and ligand-induced current measurements.
Main Results:
- Injected current pulses induced repetitive action potentials in horizontal cells.
- Kainic acid application evoked fast-repetitive action potentials.
- A slow, long-lasting calcium action potential was observed.
Conclusions:
- Mammalian retinal horizontal cells are capable of generating trains of action potentials.
- These findings expand our understanding of retinal neuronal function.