Segregation of On and Off Bipolar Cell Axonal Arbors in the Absence of Retinal Ganglion Cells

摘要: Retinal cells that respond selectively to light onset or offset are segregated into On and Off pathways. Here, we describe the development of cone bipolar whose axonal arbors at maturity synapse onto ganglion cell dendrites confined strata inner plexiform layer (IPL). In particular, sought determine whether formation this pattern is dependent on presence cells. Developing were visualized using an antibody against recoverin, calcium binding protein labels in adult rat retina. Recoverin-positive apparent ventricular zone day birth [postnatal 0 (P0)], before begin migrate nuclear layer. Two distinct first IPL P8, with pathway maturing earlier than pathway. There was no indication exuberant projections. Throughout development, there also a small number recoverin-positive unknown origin To assess projections cells, these target neurons eliminated by unilateral section optic nerve. This done birth, resulting total loss 5–6 d axons innervate IPL. retinas nerve sections, present, albeit lower normal density, interneurons organized two strata. indicates not essential for inputs. These results lend support hypothesis specific ingrowth patterns terminal could regulate stratified retinal dendrites.