Spectral analysis of L-type S-potentials and their relation to photopigment absorption in a fish (Eugerres plumieri) retina

Abstract

The spectral sensitivities of the exclusively hyperpolarizing (L-type) S-potentials were studied in a fish (Eugerres plumieri) retina. One sensitivity curve with a maximum at 498 nm was found under strictly scotopic conditions, and a second curve with a peak at 606 nm was also obtained in the dark adapted retina when stimuli of higher intensities were used. In the light adapied retina, three different sensitivity curves were found in different cells, with peaks at 476, 568 and 606 nm. Microspectrophotometric studies were performed on isolated cones from the same fish retina Three different types were found, with maximal absorptions at 471, 568 and 604 nm. The correspondence between photoreceptor absorptions and spectral sensitivities of L-potentials show that the latter, which are recorded from horizontal cells, receive information from the different receptors independently. Mixing of signals from different receptors does not take place at or before the locus of recording the L-potentials. © 1970.