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Spikes and ribbon synapses in early vision

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 15:14 authored by Tom Baden, Thomas Euler, Matti Weckstrom, Leon LagnadoLeon Lagnado
Image processing begins in the retina, where neurons respond with graded voltage changes that must be converted into spikes. This conversion from 'analog' to 'digital' coding is a fundamental transformation carried out by the visual system, but the mechanisms are still not well understood. Recent work demonstrates that, in vertebrates, graded-to-spiking conversion of the visual signal begins in the axonal system of bipolar cells (BCs), which transmit visual information through ribbon-type synapses specialized for responding to graded voltage signals. Here, we explore the evidence for and against the idea that ribbon synapses also transmit digital information. We then discuss the potential costs and benefits of digitization at different stages of visual pathways in vertebrates and invertebrates.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Trends in Neurosciences

ISSN

0166-2236

Publisher

Elsevier

Issue

8

Volume

36

Page range

480-488

Department affiliated with

  • Neuroscience Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2013-06-19

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