ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Retina
;
Xenopus laevis
;
Photoreceptors
;
Synaptic ribbons
;
Dense-core vesicles
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Photoreceptor synapses in Xenopus retina were studied after exposure to day/night cycles and continuous light or dark. In the rods, dense-core vesicles appear alongside the synaptic ribbons in animals exposed to light. In dark-adapted rods, electron-dense material is present in the synaptic clefts, but no dense-core vesicles are found associated with the synaptic ribbons. Cone photoreceptors do not show these ultrastructural changes in response to light and dark. Prolonged exposure to light (21 days) causes flattening of the synaptic vesicles associated with the synaptic ribbons in both rods and cones. The results are discussed in the light of what is known about transmitter release from photoreceptors.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00221376