A correlation of embryogenesis of visual cells and early receptor potential in the developing retina

Abstract

The early receptor potential (early RP) and ultrastructural morphogenesis of visual cells were investigated in the embryonic and hatched chicks (White Leghorn). In the seventh to 11th day embryo, a cornea-positive response which was photo-stable was observed. During this time the outer segment was not detectable. The first rapid photo-labile response was detected on the 13th day which corresponded in time with the first appearance of primitive receptor outer segments as revealed by electron microscopy. The amplitude of early RP continued to increase hyperbolically as the retinal outer segment developed.