title: Characterization of an ultraviolet photoreception mechanism in the retina of an amphibian, the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum).
abstract: Spectral sensitivity measurements from the retina of the Mexican salamander Ambystoma mexicanum (the 'axolotl') were used to provide evidence for and to characterize an amphibian ultraviolet-sensitive photoreception mechanism. Electroretinograms (transretinal voltage responses) were recorded from open eye cup preparations to analyze the spectral sensitivity of the retina. Both dark-adapted and white light-adapted preparations exhibited a peak in sensitivity between 360-370 nm. Under selective chromatic adaptation with long-wavelength light the eye cups continued to exhibit a peak sensitivity around 360 nm. These data confirm the presence of ultraviolet-sensitive cones in the retina of Ambystoma salamanders. The possible relevance of these results to the development and behavior of this group of salamanders is briefly discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington 47405, USA.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Deutschlander
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Phillips
mesh_terms: D000558:Ambystoma mexicanum / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D004596:Electroretinography; D007814:Larva; D016015:Logistic Models; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D010786:Photoreceptor Cells / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays