Abstract
The retina is a model system for studying gap junctional intercellular communication in the CNS. The cellular coupling can be graphically visualized in retinal whole mounts by injecting small cationic tracers into microscopically identified neurons; the pattern of tracer coupling shown by each type of retina neuron is highly stereotyped, with many types of amacrine cells and ganglion cells showing complex patterns of both homologous and heterologous coupling. Parallel physiological studies have demonstrated that the gap junctions can be modulated dynamically by neurotransmitters and by the level of ambient illumination. Taken together, the numerous structural and functional studies on gap junctions in the retina provide powerful support for the concept that electrical synapses are complex components of neuronal circuits, having many of the attributes normally ascribed to chemical synapses.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
