Govardovskii V I, Li J D, Dmitriev A V, Steinberg R H
Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg.
Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1994 May;35(6):2712-24.
To derive a mathematical model of TMA+ diffusion across the retina that can be used to estimate the amplitude and kinetics of the light-evoked increase in subretinal hydration and its effect on the concentration of other ions.
All experimental data were obtained in chick retina-pigment epithelium-choroid preparations as described in the accompanying paper.
Diffusional properties of the retina were derived from the time course of [TMA+]o in the subretinal space (SRS) after changes in the retinal perfusate. Then, the SRS volume changes underlying the light-induced [TMA+]o response can be derived using a mathematical model of TMA+ diffusion. Complete retinal depth series of light-evoked [TMA+]o responses could be simulated by producing a corresponding expansion of the SRS. Volume changes inferred from the diffusion model were 2.2 to 3.8 times larger and more prolonged than could be derived directly from delta [TMA+]o. The model predicted up to a 20% peak increase in subretinal-space hydration during illumination. The effects of this volume increase on subretinal K+ and Ca2+ were estimated. These predictions were supported by inhibiting the volume increase with DIDS, which blocks retinal pigment epithelium basal membrane Cl- conductance.
The primary source of light-evoked changes in extracellular TMA+ concentration recorded throughout the retina is an increase in hydration (volume) of the subretinal space. The response spreads to the inner retina by diffusion. Effects of TMA+ diffusion lead to large underestimates of the underlying volume changes. The light-evoked volume change alters the composition of the subretinal space and light-induced responses of other ions.
