Amacrine and ganglion cell contributions to the electroretinogram in amphibian retina

Abstract

The neuronal generators of the b- and d-waves of the electroretinogram (ERG) were investigated in the tiger salamander retina to determine if amacrine and ganglion cells contribute to this field potential. Several agents were used that affect third-order neurons, such as tetrodotoxin, baclofen, and NMDA agonists and antagonists. Baclofen, an agent that enhances light responses in third-order neurons, increased the d-wave and reduced the b-wave. In contrast, agents that decrease light responses in third-order neurons had the opposite effect of enhancing the b-wave and depressing the d-wave. The effect on the d-wave was particularly pronounced. The results indicate that third-order neuronal activity influences b- and d-waves of the ERG. The opposing actions suggest that the b-wave to d-wave ratio might serve as an measure of ganglion cell function.