Retinal ganglion cells echo the temporal pattern of periodic stimulation

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1006-7795.2026.04.016

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To develop a method for long-term recording of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in rats and to examine their responses to periodic light stimulation patterns. Methods In vivo single-unit recordings were performed in the optic chiasm (OC) or optic tract (OPT) of rats during periodic temporal light stimulation. Results This method enabled stable single-unit recording for at least 2 h. The spontaneous firing pattern after stimulation was more similar to the firing pattern during stimulation than that before stimulation, indicating that RGCs could transiently retain and represent the temporal pattern of periodic light stimulation. Spontaneous activity before stimulation showed rhythmicity, and the strength of this rhythmic activity influenced this representation. Conclusion Rat RGCs can represent exogenous temporal patterns over timescales ranging from tens of milliseconds to minutes and respond to periodic light stimulation.

Key words: retinal ganglion cells, photic stimulation, periodicity, action potentials, neuronal representation, optic chiasm, extracellular recording, electrophysiology

CLC Number:

Q 189

Li Xuexia, Shao Pan, Li Dapeng. Retinal ganglion cells echo the temporal pattern of periodic stimulation[J]. Journal of Capital Medical University, 2026, 47(4): 754-765.

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