Spectral Sensitivity Measured with Electroretinogram Using a Constant Response Method

Author(s)

de Farias Rocha, Fernando Allan ^[1] ; Gomes, Bruno Duarte ^{[2, 1]} ; de Lima Silveira, Luiz Carlos ^{[2, 3, 1]} ; Martins, Sonia Limara ^[4] ; Aguiar, Renata Genaro ^[4] ; de Souza, John Manuel ^[4] ; Ventura, Dora Fix ^[4]

Affiliation

^[1] Fed Univ Para, Inst Ciencias Biol, BR-66059 Belem, Para - Brazil

^[2] Fed Univ Para, Nucleo Med Trop, BR-66059 Belem, Para - Brazil

^[3] Univ CEUMA, Sao Luis, Maranhao - Brazil

^[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Psicol, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PLoS One; v. 11, n. 1 JAN 22 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

A new method is presented to determine the retinal spectral sensitivity function S(A) using the electroretinogram (ERG). S(A)s were assessed in three different species of myomorph rodents, Gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), Wistar rats (Ratus norvegicus), and mice (Mus musculus). The method, called AC Constant Method, is based on a computerized automatic feedback system that adjusts light intensity to maintain a constant-response amplitude to a flickering stimulus throughout the spectrum, as it is scanned from 300 to 700 nm, and back. The results are presented as the reciprocal of the intensity at each wavelength required to maintain a constant peak to peak response amplitude. The resulting S(A) had two peaks in all three rodent species, corresponding to ultraviolet and M cones, respectively: 359 nm and 511 nm for mice, 362 nm and 493 nm for gerbils, and 362 nm and 502 nm for rats. Results for mouse and gerbil were similar to literature reports of S(A) functions obtained with other methods, confirming that the ERG associated to the AC Constant-Response Method was effective to obtain reliable S(A) functions. In addition, due to its fast data collection time, the AC Constant Response Method has the advantage of keeping the eye in a constant light adapted state. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 02/12733-8 - Sensory losses caused by mercury intoxication: psychophysical and neurophysiological studies in patients and in animal models
• Grantee: Dora Selma Fix Ventura
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants