Anatomic and physiologic development of the photoreceptor of the kitten

The postnatal development of the photoreceptor of the cat was studied using physiological and anatomical methods. The late receptor potential (LRP) was recorded in vitro and the threshold and maximum amplitude determined. The same specimens used in the electrophysiological studies were then prepared for microscopy, and rod cell outer and inner segment length and diameter, photoreceptor density, and inter-receptor distance were determined. A small LRP was first recorded at 9–10 days, but only at very high stimulus intensities. Thereafter, there was a rapid decrease in the threshold and an increase in the amplitude of the LRP. The threshold reached adult values at 17–18 days, while the amplitude of the LRP was adultlike at 23–26 days. Of the anatomical parameters examined, inter-receptor spacing and rod cell diameters seem to be most clearly associated, respectively, with the attainment of adult LRP threshold and amplitude. Outer segment length was adult-like at 35–43 days of age and thus postdated physiological maturity of the photoreceptor. These observations suggest that the surface area of the rod cell outer segment tips is more critical in the development of the adult LRP than is the number of discs in the outer segment. In addition, changes over time in the mean diameter and length of rod cell inner segments follows the pattern of ontogenetic changes in LRP amplitude. These findings imply a close relationship during ontogeny between the metabolic functions of the inner segment and phototransduction at the outer segment disc.