Discrete visual defects in pearl mutant mice.
The mutant mouse pearl, characterized by its hypopigmentation, has a specific functional defect in a sensory system--the retina. The intact pearl mouse has reduced sensitivity in the dark-adapted condition. Normal sensitivity is restored by isolation and superfusion of the retina with bicarbonate-buffered Ringer solution, suggesting that the retinal expression of the pearl mutation depends on a diffusible substance. The pearl phenotype is described as a possible model for human congenital stationary night blindness.
D000818:Animals; D003623:Dark Adaptation; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D051379:Mice; D008817:Mice, Mutant Strains / Q000502:physiology*; D009755:Night Blindness / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012160:Retina / Q000503:physiopathology; D014785:Vision, Ocular / Q000502:physiology*