A correlative study of the function and pharmacology of froq retinal ganglion cells is proposed. Extracellular ganglion cell responses to a spatiotemporal white noise stimulus will be used to determine detailed receptive field properties. This technique provides an objective, quantitative basis for defining ganglion cell function. The analysis has been used extensively by the PI in frog and cat receptive field analysis. Traditional stimuli will continue to be used however in order that results can also be compared with previous work by other investigators. Using non-linear analysis, both spatial and temporal features of ganglion cell receptive fields will be determined. Picrotoxin and strychnine will be administered to the retina in order to block the Alpha-aminobutyric acid and glycine transmitters, respectively. These blockers will be given after a ganglion cell receptive field has been extensively classified. Electrophysiological procedures will then be repeated to test several hypotheses concerning the pharmacological basis underlying the ganglion cell's receptive field structure.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Modified Research Career Development Award (K04)
Project #
5K04EY000250-04
Application #
3072810
Study Section
Visual Sciences A Study Section (VISA)
Project Start
1983-12-01
Project End
1988-11-30
Budget Start
1986-12-01
Budget End
1987-11-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Southern California
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
041544081
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90033