Retinal Dopamine Mediates Multiple Dimensions of Light-Adapted Vision

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0711-12.2012
• Publication Date: 2012-08-01T18:05:51Z
• Authors: C. R. Jackson; G.-X. Ruan; F. Aseem; J. Abey; K. Gamble; G. Stanwood; R. D. Palmiter; P. M. Iuvone; D. G. McMahon
• Keywords: Male; Mice, Knockout; 0303 health sciences; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase; Adaptation, Ocular; Dopamine; Dopaminergic Neurons; Visual Acuity; Retina; Contrast Sensitivity; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice; 03 medical and health sciences; Electroretinography; Animals; Female; Vision, Ocular

Dopamine is a key neuromodulator in the retina and brain that supports motor, cognitive, visual function. Here, we developed mouse model on C57 background which expression of rate-limiting enzyme for dopamine synthesis, tyrosine hydroxylase, specifically disrupted retina. This enabled assessment overall role retinal vision using electrophysiological (electroretinogram), psychophysical (optokinetic tracking), pharmacological techniques. Significant disruptions were observed high-resolution, light-adapted caused by specific deficits light responses, contrast sensitivity, acuity, circadian rhythms this dopamine-depleted model. These global effects are driven differential actions D1 D4 receptors functions appear to be due ongoing bioavailability rather than developmental effects. Together, our data indicate necessary nature as well optimal detection acuity.