DOPAMINERGIC BEHAVIOR IN CHICKEN RETINA AND THE EFFECT OF FORM DEPRIVATION

Purpose: Dopamine (DA) is considered to be a neuro-transmitter involve d in light-adaptive responses in the retina and has been implicated in the control of the eye growth induced by form deprivation. Vitreal DO PAC was shown to be a good indicator of retinal dopaminergic activity. Methods/Results: Dopaminergic activity was highest during the light, with vitreal DOPAC levels rising within 3 h of light exposure. Form de privation attenuated dopaminergic activity, as the rise in vitreal DOP AC levels on light exposure was reduced in form-deprived eyes, compare d with control eyes. Conclusion: The lack of sustained activation of D A release may explain the role of DA in the control of eye-growth.