Effect of GABAergic blockade on light responses of frog retinal ganglion cells

Abstract The effect of GABAergic blockade by picrotoxin on ganglion cells (GC) activity was investigated in perfused dark adapted eyecups of frog ( Rana ridibunda ). PT had diverse effects on the light responses of GC in contrast to its uniform potentiating effect on the amplitude of the ERG b- and d-wave. In some ( n =32) of PT-sensitive ON–OFF GC the ON and OFF responses were changed in a similar manner (both responses were potentiated or both were inhibited), but in the other ( n =10) the both responses were changed in a different manner. PT influenced differentially the activity of OFF GC ( n =17) as well. It not only potentiated or inhibited their light responses, but changed also the temporal characteristics of the responses. Some tonic cells became phasic ones and in some phasic cells a late component appeared under the influence of PT. In some cases ( n =4) the GABAergic blockade changed the apparent cell's type, because of appearance of a new type of response (ON or OFF) non-existing before the blockade. Our results indicate that the GABAergic interneurons are involved in different networks in the inner plexiform layer of frog retina.