Does the random distribution of discrete photoreceptor events limit the sensitivity of the retina?

In this study the authors investigate to what extent the sensitivity and reliability of the signal transmission through the retina can be understood on the basis of simple statistical signal-to-noise considerations. The eyes of anuran amphibians (frogs and toads) are well suited for a study of this...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Neuroscience research 1986, Vol.4, p.S163-S180
Main Authors: Reuter, Tom, Donner, Kristian, Copenhagen, David R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bufo marinus
horizontal cells
membrane potential
photoreceptors
Rana temporaria
retina
rods
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Summary:In this study the authors investigate to what extent the sensitivity and reliability of the signal transmission through the retina can be understood on the basis of simple statistical signal-to-noise considerations. The eyes of anuran amphibians (frogs and toads) are well suited for a study of this kind. It is thus probable that the reliability of their scotopic vision is strongly influenced by photon noise. It is also possible to intracellularly record light responses from all the main classes of neurones in the amphibian retina. The authors first report results obtained in intracellular recordings from toad rods and horizontal cells, and then analyse extracellularly measured responses of frog ganglion cells to short flashes of light presented in darkness or against weak backgrounds.
ISSN:0168-0102
1872-8111
DOI:10.1016/0168-0102(86)90081-7