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The response of the neuronal adaptive system to background illumination and readaptation to dark in the immature retina
Author(s) -
Wang Ling,
Azazi Mildred,
Eklund Anders,
Burstedt Marie,
Wachtmeister Lillemor
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/aos.12456
Subject(s) - mesopic vision , darkness , retina , adaptation (eye) , medicine , biology , neuroscience , physics , optics , photopic vision
Purpose Developmental characteristics of the neuronal adaptive system of the retina, focusing on background light ( BGL ) adaptation and readaptation functions, were studied by measuring the oscillatory response ( SOP ) of the electroretinogram ( ERG ). Methods Digitally filtered and conventional ERG s were simultaneously recorded. Rats aged 15 and 17 days were studied during exposure to BGL s of two mesopic intensities and during readaptation to dark. Results Results were compared to adult rats. In ‘low mesopic’ BGL SOP instantly dropped significantly to about half of its dark‐adapted ( DA ) value contrary to mature rats, in which the SOP significantly increased. In ‘high mesopic’ BGL SOP decreased to about 20% and 30% of DA values in immature and adult rats, respectively. The process of recovery of SOP in darkness lacked the transient enhancement immediately as BGL was turned off, characteristic of adult rats. There were no major age differences in adaptive behaviour of a‐wave. In young rats, recovery of b‐wave was relatively slower. Conclusions Properties of BGL adaptation and readaptation functions of the neuronal adaptive system in baby retina differed compared to the adult one by being less forceful and more restrained. Handling of mesopic illumination and recovery in the dark was immature. Development of these functions of the neuronal adaptive system progresses postnatally and lags behind that of the photoreceptor response and seems to be delayed also compared to that of the bipolar response.