Photoreceptor fine structure in light- and dark-adaptation in the butterfly fish (Pantodon buchholzi)

Abstract

The morphology of the retinal photoreceptors of the butterfly fish Pantodon buchholzi has been studied by electron microscopy in both light- and dark-adaptation. The photoreceptors in this species are readily divisible into rods and cones based on morphological criteria. No double or twin cones are present. The rod photoreceptors show marked retinomotor movements. In light-adaptation they are extremely elongate cells while in the dark-adapted state they are much shorter. Cones seem to respond but minimally to the circadian cycle. Rod outer segments are composed of membranous discs of uniform diameter displaying several incisures. The inner segment has a small distal ellipsoid and a thin myoid region which is lost in dark-adaptation. The nuclei of rods are condensed and always located vitread to the external limiting membrane. The rod synaptic spherule displays 2 or 3 invaginated sites. The single cones display a tapering outer segment. The wider inner segment contains a large electron-dense ellipsoid with small glycogen deposits located peripherally. The cone nuclei are large and vesicular and usually located sclerad to the external limiting membrane. The synaptic pedicle of cones is larger and more electron-lucent and contains more synaptic sites than do the rods. No mosaic pattern of arrangement of the photoreceptors is apparent. Except for the obvious lengthening or shortening of the rods, the morphology of the photoreceptors changes but little during the circadian cycle.