Nitric oxide induces light-adaptive morphological changes in retinal neurones.
This study tested the possible involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in light-adaptive morphological changes in the outer retina of a cyprinid fish, the roach. Isolated retinae were treated in the dark by either of two NO-donor compounds (S-nitroso-n-acetylpenicillamine and sodium nitroprusside) and then studied by light and electron microscopy; similar results were obtained in both cases. Application of NO induced contraction of cone photo-receptor myoids (i.e. retinomotor movements) and formation of horizontal cell spinules. Accordingly the cone index and the spinule/ribbon ratio showed 15-20% and 49-95% change, respectively, compared with controls. These results are consistent with involvement of NO in the light adaptation process in the outer retina of teleost fish.
Greenstreet
E H
EH
Biology Department, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK.
Djamgoz
M B
MB
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000818:Animals; D003530:Cyprinidae; D008027:Light; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology*; D009599:Nitroprusside / Q000494:pharmacology; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D012160:Retina / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D026423:S-Nitroso-N-Acetylpenicillamine
D009599:Nitroprusside; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D026423:S-Nitroso-N-Acetylpenicillamine; D010396:Penicillamine