Rod Cone Signaling
Rod Cone Signaling - Related Videos
15:57
Rodent Handling and Restraint Techniques
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2015
Source: Kay Stewart, RVT, RLATG, CMAR; Valerie A. Schroeder, RVT, RLATG. University of Notre Dame, IN It has been demonstrated that even minimal handling of mice and rats is stressful to the animals. Handling for cage changing and other noninvasive procedures causes an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and other physiological parameters, such as serum corticosterone levels. Fluctuations can continue for up to several hours. The methods of restraint required for injections and blood...
14:12
Rodent Identification II
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2015
Source: Kay Stewart, RVT, RLATG, CMAR; Valerie A. Schroeder, RVT, RLATG. University of Notre Dame, IN Animal records must be accurately maintained to ensure that data collection is correct. Records range from maintaining information on cage cards to having a detailed database with all of the relevant information on each animal. The primary component of recordkeeping is the individual identification of research animals. There are a variety of methods suitable for identifying mice and rats. This...
03:18
In Vitro Assessment of Aggregated Amyloid-β on Neuronal Growth Cone Collapse
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2025
This video demonstrates an in vitro assessment of neuronal growth cone collapse by amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregates. Treating the neurons with Aβ aggregates causes cytoskeletal destabilization, leading to the collapse of growth cones at the tip of the axons. The treated cells are compared with control cells to assess the extent of growth cone collapse.
09:05
Imaging Ca2+ Dynamics in Cone Photoreceptor Axon Terminals of the Mouse Retina
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Cited by 24 •
2015
We describe a protocol to monitor Ca2+ dynamics in the axon terminals of cone photoreceptors using an ex-vivo slice preparation of the mouse retina. This protocol allows comprehensive studies of cone Ca2+ signaling in an important mammalian model system, the mouse.
08:38
Transretinal ERG Recordings from Mouse Retina: Rod and Cone Photoresponses
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Cited by 22 •
2012
We describe a relatively simple method of transretinal electroretinogram (ERG) recordings for obtaining rod and cone photoresponses from intact mouse retina. This approach takes advantage of the block of synaptic transmission from photoreceptors to isolate their light responses and record them using field electrodes placed across the isolated flat-mounted retina.
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After a photon is absorbed, the signal moves through a defined biochemical sequence: an opsin activates transducin, transducin stimulates phosphodiesterase, and phosphodiesterase lowers intracellular cGMP. This change closes cGMP-gated channels, causing the photoreceptor to hyperpolarize. The resulting change in glutamate release converts the light-triggered molecular event into a neural signal for downstream visual processing.
cGMP-gated channels connect the molecular phototransduction cascade with the photoreceptor’s membrane state. When cGMP levels fall, these channels close and the cell hyperpolarizes. That electrical change modifies glutamate release, providing a chemical output that can influence subsequent retinal processing. Together, channel closure and transmitter release explain how light absorption is communicated beyond the photoreceptor.
Rods and cones divide visual responsibilities according to the lighting and information demands of vision. Rods support highly sensitive detection in dim light, while cones operate in daylight and contribute to color and high-acuity vision. This complementary specialization allows retinal signaling to represent both low-light information and detailed, color-dependent visual information.
Rod-cone signaling forms the first stage of visual information processing, so changes at the photoreceptor level provide the initial neural representation of light. Following the cascade from opsin activation through altered glutamate release helps connect molecular phototransduction with retinal circuit function. This relationship makes photoreceptor signaling important for understanding how retinal circuits begin processing visual information.
Researchers can examine the sequence from photon absorption to altered glutamate release to identify how photoreceptors initiate retinal responses. Comparing rod- and cone-associated signaling also links cellular activity with dim-light, daylight, color, and high-acuity vision. These observations provide a foundation for investigating how retinal circuits handle different types of visual information.
Because rod-cone signaling is the entry point for visual information, disruptions in its molecular or cellular steps can help frame investigations of inherited retinal degeneration. Studying opsins, transducin, phosphodiesterase, cGMP-gated channels, hyperpolarization, and glutamate release identifies the pathway components involved in photoreceptor responses. This mechanistic foundation supports research aimed at developing therapeutic strategies.