Abstract
THE exquisite sensitivity of the scotopic visual system is well known to result, in large part, from a ‘pooling’ of the signals generated by the rod photoreceptors. It was once assumed that spatial integration of rod signals occurs at cellular sites proximal to the photoreceptors but recent evidence indicates that, in turtle and toad retinae, there is a marked spatial summation of the receptor potential recorded in a single rod1–3. In the snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina, we have estimated an individual rod to interact summatively with as many as 200 other rods3. Such pooling of signals at the input to the visual system will influence not only the sensitivity of the system but also spatial resolution of visual stimuli.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Schwartz, E. A., J. Physiol., Lond., 232, 503–514 (1973).
Fain, G. L., Science, 187, 838–841 (1975).
Copenhagen, D. R., and Owen, W. G., J. Physiol., Lond. (in the press).
Baylor, D. A., Fuortes, M. G. F., and O'Bryan, P. M., J. Physiol., Lond., 214, 265–294 (1971).
Palay, S. L., J. biophys. biochem. Cytol., 2 (Suppl., no. 4, pt 2), 193–202 (1956).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
COPENHAGEN, D., OWEN, W. Coupling between rod photoreceptors in a vertebrate retina. Nature 260, 57–59 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1038/260057a0
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/260057a0
This article is cited by
-
Connexin-36 distribution and layer-specific topography in the cat retina
Brain Structure and Function (2019)
-
Maximizing contrast resolution in the outer retina of mammals
Biological Cybernetics (2010)
-
Contacts between basal processes of visual cones in the outer plexiform layer of the ocular sensory tunic in turtles
Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology (1986)
-
Evidence for passive electrotonic interactions in red rods of toad retina
Nature (1978)
-
A surprising property of electrical spread in the network of rods in the turtle's retina
Nature (1978)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.
