ISSN:
1432-1017
Keywords:
Rodopsin
;
Phosphorylation
;
Adaptation
;
Retina
;
Cyclic nucleotides
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Physics
Notes:
Abstract Light-induced phosphorylation of rhodopsin has been extensively studied by a number of investigators from a biochemical point of view. However, little is known about the physiological function of this reaction. The slow rates measured for phosphorylation and dephosphorylation suggest that it may be involved in visual adaptation rather than in excitation. This paper presents biochemical data obtained from phosphorylation experiments in isolated photoreceptor membranes as well as in the more physiological system of whole retinas and living animals. An attempt is made to compare the phosphorylation reaction with visual adaptation hypotheses taken from the electrophysiological literature. Finally, effects of cyclic nucleotide metabolism on the sensitivity of photoreceptors are presented and discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00535815
