Fine structure of the retinal photoreceptors of the tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)

The retinal photoreceptors of the tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) have been studied by light and electron microscopy in both light- and dark-adaptation. Rods and cones are present in this duplex retina in a ratio of about 20:1. As in other urodele species these photoreceptors are very large cells. The rod outer segment is composed of bi-membranous discs of uniform diameter displaying several very deep incisures. The rod inner segment displays an ellipsoid of mitochondria and a myoid region which changes in diameter during the lighting cycle indicating that rods undergo photomechanical movements. Rod nuclei are located at all levels of the outer nuclear layer and rod spherules are large and display several invaginated and superficial synaptic sites. Cone photoreceptors while large cells are smaller than the rods. They show a smaller tapering outer segment, a large distal ellipsoid of mitochondria and a prominent paraboloid of glycogen but no oil droplet within the inner segment. Judging by the width of the myoid region which remains similar throughout the lighting cycle, cones in this species show no retino-motor responses. Cone nuclei are less electron dense than rods and are also located at all levels of the outer nuclear layer. The cone synaptic pedicle is larger than that of the rods and also shows several invaginated and superficial synaptic sites