Müller glial cells contribute to dim light vision in the spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus fuscus): Analysis of retinal light transmission

Experimental Eye Research
Silke AgteSerguei N Skatchkov

Abstract

In this study, we show the capability of Müller glial cells to transport light through the inverted retina of reptiles, specifically the retina of the spectacled caimans. Thus, confirming that Müller cells of lower vertebrates also improve retinal light transmission. Confocal imaging of freshly isolated retinal wholemounts, that preserved the refractive index landscape of the tissue, indicated that the retina of the spectacled caiman is adapted for vision under dim light conditions. For light transmission experiments, we used a setup with two axially aligned objectives imaging the retina from both sides to project the light onto the inner (vitreal) surface and to detect the transmitted light behind the retina at the receptor layer. Simultaneously, a confocal microscope obtained images of the Müller cells embedded within the vital tissue. Projections of light onto several representative Müller cell trunks within the inner plexiform layer, i.e. (i) trunks with a straight orientation, (ii) trunks which are formed by the inner processes and (iii) trunks which get split into inner processes, were associated with increases in the intensity of the transmitted light. Projections of light onto the periphery of the Müller cell endfeet re...Continue Reading

Citations

Feb 9, 2019·Anatomia, histologia, embryologia·Andreas Bringmann
Jul 3, 2019·Molecules : a Journal of Synthetic Chemistry and Natural Product Chemistry·Mikhail InyushinAstrid Zayas-Santiago
Jul 8, 2019·Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology. B, Biology·Lidia ZuevaVladimir Makarov

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