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J Neurophysiol 95: 3171-3190, 2006. First published February 15, 2006; doi:10.1152/jn.00090.2005
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Form and Function of ON-OFF Amacrine Cells in the Amphibian Retina

Robert F. Miller, Nathan P. Staff and Toby J. Velte

Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Submitted 24 January 2005; accepted in final form 31 January 2006

ON-OFF amacrine cells were studied with whole cell recording techniques and intracellular staining methods using intact retina-eyecup preparations of the tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) and the mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus). Morphological characterization of these cells included three-dimensional reconstruction methods based on serial optical sections obtained with a confocal microscope. Some cells had their detailed morphology digitized with a computer-assisted tracing system and converted to compartmental models for computer simulations. The dendrites of ON-OFF amacrine cells have spines and numerous varicosities. Physiological recordings confirmed that ON-OFF amacrine cells generate both large- and small-amplitude impulses attributed, respectively, to somatic and dendritic generation sites. Using a multichannel model for impulse generation, computer simulations were carried out to evaluate how impulses are likely to propagate throughout these structures. We conclude that the ON-OFF amacrine cell is organized with multifocal dendritic impulse generating sites and that both dendritic and somatic impulse activity contribute to the functional repertoire of these interneurons: locally generated dendritic impulses can provide regional activation, while somatic impulse activity results in rapid activation of the entire dendritic tree.

Address for reprint requests and other correspondence: R. F. Miller, Dept. of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 6-145 Jackson Hall, 321 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (E-mail rfm{at}umn.edu)




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R. F. Miller
Cell Communication Mechanisms in the Vertebrate Retina The Proctor Lecture
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., December 1, 2008; 49(12): 5184 - 5198.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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