The effects of low chloride fluids on light responses of the catfish retinal neurons

Perfusion experiments were performed to analyze functional roles of the chloride channels in the retinal neurons. The netwoek model was tested for its ability to account for the details of light responses observed in retinal neurons perfused with low chloride fluids. Light responses of the second-order neurons were visibly enhanced. In addition, the wave shapes and the firing rates of the third-order neurons were evidently varied by the low chloride fluids. Results suggest that the sensitivity of the retinal neurons to light stimuli could be changed by extracellular concentration of chloride ion.