Interaction between rod and cone signals in responses of lateral geniculate neurons in dichromatic marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Small field tritanopia in the peripheral retina

If stimuli are made sufficiently small, color-normal individuals report a loss in hue perception, in particular a decrease in the perception of green, in both the fovea and peripheral retina. This effect is referred to as small field tritanopia. It is not clear, however, how rod input may alter the dynamics of small field tritanopia in the peripheral retina. This paper looks at peripheral hue-naming data obtained for small stimuli at mesopic and photopic retinal illuminances under conditions that minimize (bleach) and maximize (no bleach) rod contribution. The data show that attenuation in the perception of green occurs with larger stimuli in the no-bleach condition than in the bleach condition. As retinal illuminance increases, the stimulus size that elicits small field tritanopia decreases, but the stimulus size is still larger under the no-bleach condition. Small field tritanopia in both the bleach and no-bleach conditions may be related to short-wavelength-sensitive (S) cone activity and its potential role in the mediation of the perception of green. The differences in stimulus size for small field tritanopia may be explained by rod input into the magnocellular and koniocellular pathways, which compromises the strength of the chromatic signals and creates a differential loss in the perception of green as compared to the other elemental hues.

Rod- and cone-isolated flicker electroretinograms and their response summation characteristics

This study defined the amplitude and phase characteristics of rod- and cone-isolated flicker electroretinograms (ERGs) and determined how these responses summate to generate the nonreceptor-specific ERG. Full-field ERGs were obtained from six normally sighted subjects (age 26 to 44 years) using a four-primary LED-based photostimulator and standard recording techniques. The four primaries were either modulated sinusoidally in phase to achieve simultaneous rod and cone activation (ERGR+C; nonreceptor-specific) or in different phases to achieve rod-isolated (ERGR) and cone-isolated (ERGC) responses by means of triple silent substitution. ERGs were measured at two mean luminance levels (2.4 and 24 cd/m2), two contrasts (20 and 40%), and four temporal frequencies (2-15 Hz). Fundamental amplitude and phase for each condition were derived by Fourier analysis. Response amplitude and phase depended on the stimulus conditions (frequency, mean luminance, and contrast), however, for all conditions: 1) response phase decreased monotonically as stimulus frequency increased; 2) response amplitude tended to decrease monotonically as stimulus frequency increased, with the exception of the 24 cd/m2, 40% contrast ERGR+C that was sharply V-shaped; 3) ERGR phase was delayed (32 to 210 deg) relative to the ERGC phase; 4) ERGR amplitude was typically equal to or lower than the ERGC amplitude, with the exception of the 2.4 cd/m2, 40% contrast condition; and 5) the pattern of ERGR+C responses could be accounted for by a vector summation model of the rod and cone pathway signals. The results show that the ERGR+C amplitude and phase can be predicted from ERGR and ERGC amplitude and phase. For conditions that elicit ERGR and ERGC responses that have approximately equal amplitude and opposite phase, there is strong destructive interference between the rod and cone responses that attenuates the ERGR+C. Conditions that elicit equal amplitude and opposite phase rod and cone responses may be particularly useful for evaluating rod-cone interactions.

Effect of rod-cone interactions on mesopic visual performance mediated by chromatic and luminance pathways

We studied the effect of rod-cone interactions on mesopic visual reaction time (RT). Rod and cone photoreceptor excitations were independently controlled using a four-primary photostimulator. It was observed that (1) lateral rod-cone interactions increase the cone-mediated RTs; (2) the rod-cone interactions are strongest when rod sensitivity is maximal in a dark surround, but weaker with increased rod activity in a light surround; and (3) the presence of a dark surround nonselectively increased the mean and variability of chromatic (+L-M, S-cone) and luminance (L+M+S) RTs independent of the level of rod activity. The results demonstrate that lateral rod-cone interactions must be considered when deriving mesopic luminous efficiency using RT.

Effect of luminosity on color discrimination of dichromatic marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Psychophysical data have shown that under mesopic conditions cones and rods can interact, improving color vision. Since electrophysiological data have suggested that rods of dichromatic marmosets appear to be active at higher luminance, we aimed to investigate the effect of different levels of sunlight on the foraging abilities of male dichromatic marmosets. Captive marmosets were observed under three different conditions, with respect to their performance in detecting colored food items against a green background. Compared to high and low light intensities, intermediate luminosities significantly increased detection of orange targets by male dichromats, an indication of rod intrusion.

Mesopic rod and S-cone interactions revealed by modulation thresholds

We analyzed mesopic rod and S-cone interactions in terms of their contributions to the blue-yellow opponent pathway. Stimuli were generated using a four-primary colorimeter. Mixed rod and S-cone modulation thresholds (constant L-, M-cone excitation) were measured as a function of their phase difference. Modulation amplitude was equated using threshold units and contrast ratios. This study identified three interaction types: (1) a linear and antagonistic rod:S-cone interaction, (2) probability summation, and (3) a previously unidentified mutual nonlinear reinforcement. Linear rod:S-cone interactions occur within the blue-yellow opponent pathway. Probability summation involves signaling by different postreceptoral pathways. The origin of the nonlinear reinforcement is possibly at the photoreceptors.

Interactions between rod and L-cone signals in deuteranopes: gains and phases

The dynamics of interactions between rod and L-cone driven signals were studied psychophysically in two deuteranopic observers. Flicker detection thresholds for different ratios of rod to L-cone modulation were measured at temporal frequencies between 1 and 15 Hz. A model, which assumes that rod and L-cone driven signals are vector added, can describe the threshold data adequately. We found that up to about 8-10 Hz temporal frequency, rod and L-cone signals interact additively, whereas at higher frequencies the interaction is subtractive. Rod and L-cone signal strengths depend similarly on temporal frequency and are maximal between 3 and 5 Hz. The phase difference between rod and L-cone signals increases linearly with temporal frequency, indicating that their responses have a delay difference of about 20 to 30 ms, consistent with involvement of the faster rod pathway. The data would suggest a nearly complete additivity of the rod and cone driven signals when using flashed stimuli. But, literature data showed only partial additivity of the two, suggesting that different postreceptoral mechanisms are involved in the two tasks.

Flicker VEPs reflecting multiple rod and cone pathways

In an attempt to determine whether the relative contributions of magno-mediated and parvo-mediated inputs to the cortex are significantly altered in the transition from cone to rod vision, VEPs were recorded at different luminance levels (photopic to scotopic) for 2Hz square-wave, isochromatic flicker. The VEP mass response appears capable of reflecting major parvo-mediated contributions even at luminance levels for which responses from individual cells in the parvocellular pathway are reported to be weak. Our findings suggest that parvo-mediated responses are the dominant source of high-contrast isochromatic flicker VEPs at all light levels.

Chromatic and spatial properties of parvocellular cells in the lateral geniculate nucleus of the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

The parvocellular (PC) division of the afferent visual pathway is considered to carry neuronal signals which underlie the red-green dimension of colour vision as well as high-resolution spatial vision. In order to understand the origin of these signals, and the way in which they are combined, the responses of PC cells in dichromatic ('red-green colour-blind') and trichromatic marmosets were compared. Visual stimuli included coloured and achromatic gratings, and spatially uniform red and green lights presented at varying temporal phases and frequencies.The sensitivity of PC cells to red-green chromatic modulation was found to depend primarily on the spectral separation between the medium- and long-wavelength-sensitive cone pigments (20 or 7 nm) in the two trichromatic marmoset phenotypes studied. The temporal frequency dependence of chromatic sensitivity was consistent with centre-surround interactions. Some evidence for chromatic selectivity was seen in peripheral PC cells. The receptive field dimensions of parvocellular cells were similar in dichromatic and trichromatic animals, but the achromatic contrast sensitivity of cells was slightly higher (by about 30%) in dichromats than in trichromats. These data support the hypothesis that the primary role of the PC is to transmit high-acuity spatial signals, with red-green opponent signals appearing as an additional response dimension in trichromatic animals.

Morphology and physiology of primate M- and P-cells

Catarrhines and platyrrhines, the so-called Old- and New-World anthropoids, have different cone photopigments. Postreceptoral mechanisms must have co-evolved with the receptors to provide trichromatic color vision, and so it is important to compare postreceptoral processes in these two primate groups, both from anatomical and physiological perspectives. The morphology of ganglion cells has been studied in the retina of catarrhines such as the diurnal and trichromatic Macaca, as well as platyrrhines such as the diurnal, di- or trichromatic Cebus, and the nocturnal, monochromatic Aotus. Diurnal platyrrhines, both di- and trichromats, have ganglion cell classes very similar to those found in catarrhines: M (parasol), P (midget), small-field bistratified, and several classes of wide-field ganglion cells. In the fovea of all diurnal anthropoids, P-cell dendritic trees contact single midget bipolars, which contact single cones. The Aotus retina has far fewer cones than diurnal species, but M- and P-cells are similar to those in diurnal primates although of larger size. As in diurnal anthropoids, in the Aotus, the majority of midget bipolar cells, found in the central 2 mm of eccentricity, receive input from a single cone and the sizes of their axon terminals match the sizes of P-cell dendritic fields in the same region. The visual responses of retinal ganglion cells of these species have been studied using single-unit electrophysiological recordings. Recordings from retinal ganglion cells in Cebus and Aotus showed that they have very similar properties as those in the macaque, except that P-cells of mono- and dichromatic animals lack cone opponency. Whatever the original role of the M- and P-cells was, they are likely to have evolved prior to the divergence of catarrhines and platyrrhines. M- and P-cell systems thus appear to be strongly conserved in the various primate species. The reasons for this may lie in the roles of these systems for both achromatic and chromatic vision.

The assessment of L- and M-cone specific electroretinographical signals in the normal and abnormal human retina

Electroretinography (ERG) is a non-invasive method that can contribute to a description of the functional organization of the human retina under normal and pathological circumstances. The physiological and pathophysiological processes leading to an ERG signal can be better understood when the cellular origins of the ERG are identified. The ERG signal recorded at the cornea is initiated by light absorption in the photoreceptors which leads to activity in the photoreceptors and in their post-receptoral pathways. Light absorption in distinct photoreceptor types may lead to different ERG responses caused either by differences between the photoreceptors or between their post-receptoral pathways. The description of contributions of the different photoreceptor types to the ERG may therefore give more detailed insight in the origins of the ERG. Such a description can be obtained by isolating the responses of a single photoreceptor type. Nowadays, careful control of differently colored light sources together with the relatively well-known cone and rod fundamentals enables a precise description and control of photoreceptor excitation. Theoretically, any desired combination of photoreceptor excitation modulation can be achieved, including conditions in which the activity in only one photoreceptor type is modulated (silent substitution). In this manner the response of one photoreceptor type is isolated without changing the state of adaptation. This stimulus technique has been used to study the contribution of signals originating in the different photoreceptor types to the human ERG. Furthermore, by stimulating two or more photoreceptor types simultaneously, the interaction between the different signals can be studied. With these new techniques results of measurements in healthy subjects and patients with retinal diseases can be compared. This approach should ultimately help to develop better diagnostic tools and result in a fuller description of the changes and the pathophysiological mechanisms in retinal disorder. Finally, data obtained with cone and rod specific stimuli may lead to a reinterpretation of the standard ERG used in a clinical setting.

Centre and surround responses of marmoset lateral geniculate neurones at different temporal frequencies

The responses of marmoset lateral geniculate neurones to stimuli that were composed of a sinusoidally modulating centre stimulus and a surround that was modulated in counterphase were measured. The size of the stimulus centre was varied. These measurements were repeated at different temporal frequencies between 1 and 30 Hz. The response amplitudes and phases depended in a characteristic manner on the stimulus centre size. The response behaviour could be modelled by assuming Gaussian responsivity profiles of the cells' receptive field (RF) centres and surrounds and a phase delay in the RF surround responses, relative to the centre, enabling the description of RF centre and surround response characteristics. We found that the RF centre-to-surround phase difference increased linearly with increasing temporal frequency, indicating a constant delay difference of about 4.5 to 6 ms. A linear model, including low-pass filters, a lead lag stage and a delay, was used to describe the mean RF centre and surround responses. The separate RF centre and surround responses were less band pass than the full receptive field responses of the cells. The linear model provided less satisfactory fits to M-cell responses than to those of P-cells, indicating additional nonlinearities.

Influence of contrast on the responses of marmoset lateral geniculate cells to drifting gratings

The responses of lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) cells in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) to drifting luminance or cone isolating gratings of different spatial frequencies and contrasts were measured. The response noise, defined as the variability of the responses to single sweeps in the complex plane, was independent of stimulus contrast and spatial frequency but increased with increasing overall responsiveness of the cell. The signal-to-noise ratio of parvocellular (PC) cells was smaller than of magnocellular (MC) cells. At each contrast, the response amplitude as a function of spatial frequency could be described with a difference of Gaussians model. With this model, the sizes and the peak sensitivities of the receptive field centers and surrounds were estimated. It was found that receptive field center and surround sizes of LGN cells decrease slightly with increasing contrast. Further, the peak sensitivity decreases with increasing contrast. The two factors are involved in a decrease in responsivity (the response per unit contrast) with increasing contrast which is compatible to response saturation for low spatial frequency stimuli. PC cells did not saturate as much to luminance stimuli although some saturation was found with cone isolating gratings. We found that the response phase lag of both PC and MC cells decreased with increasing contrast, which cannot be explained on the basis of linear response behavior. Apparently the phase of LGN cell responses to drifting gratings is altered in comparison with the retinal inputs by additional nonlinearities.

Visual responses of ganglion cells of a New-World primate, the capuchin monkey, Cebus apella

1. The genetic basis of colour vision in New-World primates differs from that in humans and other Old-World primates. Most New-World primate species show a polymorphism; all males are dichromats and most females trichromats. 2. In the retina of Old-World primates such as the macaque, the physiological correlates of trichromacy are well established. Comparison of the retinae in New- and Old-World species may help constrain hypotheses as to the evolution of colour vision and the pathways associated with it. 3. Ganglion cell behaviour was recorded from trichromatic and dichromatic members of a New-World species (the capuchin monkey, Cebus apella) and compared with macaque data. Despite some differences in quantitative detail (such as a temporal response extended to higher frequencies), results from trichromatic animals strongly resembled those from the macaque. 4. In particular, cells of the parvocellular (PC) pathway showed characteristic frequency-dependent changes in responsivity to luminance and chromatic modulation, cells of the magnocellular (MC) pathway showed frequency-doubled responses to chromatic modulation, and the surround of MC cells received a chromatic input revealed on changing the phase of heterochromatically modulated lights. 5. Ganglion cells of dichromats were colour-blind versions of those of trichromats. 6. This strong physiological homology is consistent with a common origin of trichromacy in New- and Old-World monkeys; in the New-World primate the presence of two pigments in the middle-to-long wavelength range permits full expression of the retinal mechanisms of trichromatic vision.

Spatial and temporal response properties of the major retino-geniculate pathways of Old and New World monkeys

Old World monkeys, apes and humans all enjoy trichromatic colour vision, and the absorption spectra of the photopigments are very similar in all species and all individuals. Colour vision in New World monkeys however, is very heterogeneous. In many species, the majority of individuals is dichromatic. Recently, anatomical and electrophysiological studies revealed that the retinal organisation in Old World monkeys and New World monkeys is very similar, although the cells belonging to the parvocellular pathway do not show any colour opponency and their spectral sensitivity is similar to that of the magnocellular cells. Apparently, the magnocellular and parvocellular pathways in the retina and the LGN have not developed as an adaptation to luminance and chromatic processing. It is more likely that the two pathways originally evolved to cover different ranges in the spatio-temporal domain. In the present paper, several spatial and temporal properties of parvo- and magnocellular cells (which are identical for dichromatic and trichromatic animals) are compared.

Rod-cone-interactions in deuteranopic observers: models and dynamics

We studied the interactions between rods and L-cones in deuteranopic human observers by stimulating the photoreceptors independently. Thresholds were determined using a PEST procedure for different ratios of rod to L-cone modulation without modulating the S-cones. Modulation frequency was either 2 or 10 Hz and the retinal illuminance ranged from 4.7 to 470 td (10.9-1090 scot td). We measured at 2, 7.5 and 20 degrees retinal eccentricity. The threshold data could be described by a model based on a vector addition of responses originating in the rods and the L-cones. The relative strength of rod signals relative to the L-cone signals increased with increasing retinal eccentricity and decreasing retinal illuminance. At 20 degrees eccentricity, rod and cone signals were of about equal magnitude at retinal illuminances as high as 470 td. Temporal frequency did not have a large effect on the ratio of rod to L-cone signal strength.