Abstract
IN the dark-adapted eye, the amplitude of the early receptor potential (e.r.p.)1 is linearly proportional to the number of molecules of rhodopsin bleached by a flash2. The second of a train of intense flashes evokes a smaller response because less rhodopsin is available2. However, with further stimulation, the e.r.p. reaches a steady voltage, about 10 per cent of the first response. This occurs even though each molecule of rhodopsin should, theoretically, have bleached many times over3. The relationship established by Cone2 breaks down after the second or third maximal flash. The reason for this is that the flash causes regeneration of photopigment from a stable product of bleaching, by a mechanism different from that analysed by Williams3. The regeneration can be demonstrated by exposing the eye to a series of intense flashes (Fig. 1) until the e.r.p. amplitude has reached a stable lower level.
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