Effect of Altered Retinal Cones/Opsins on Refractive Development under Monochromatic Lights in Guinea Pigs.

PURPOSE

To analyze the changes of refraction and metabolism of the retinal cones under monochromatic lights in guinea pigs.

METHODS

Sixty guinea pigs were randomly divided into a short-wavelength light (SL) group, a middle-wavelength light (ML) group, and a white light (WL) group. Refraction and axial length were measured before and after 10-week illumination. The densities of S-cones and M-cones were determined by retinal cone immunocytochemistry, and the expressions of S-opsins and M-opsins were determined by real-time PCR and Western blot.

RESULTS

After 10-week illumination, the guinea pigs developed relative hyperopia in the SL group and relative myopia in the ML group. Compared with the WL group, the density of S-cones and S-opsins increased while M-cones and M-opsins decreased in the SL group (all, < 0.05); conversely, the density of S-cones and S-opsins decreased while M-cones and M-opsins increased in the ML group (all, < 0.05). Increased S-cones/opsins and decreased M-cones/opsins were induced by short-wavelength lights. Decreased S-cones/opsins and increased M-cones/opsins were induced by middle-wavelength lights.

CONCLUSIONS

Altered retinal cones/opsins induced by monochromatic lights might be involved in the refractive development in guinea pigs.