Amacrine cell

Amacrine cells are interneurons in the retina. They are named for their small, radiating processes, which send signals laterally to the bipolar cells and ganglion cells. The etymology of the term "amacrine" is derived from the Greek words "a" (without) and "makros" (long), referring to the short axons of these cells.

Function

Amacrine cells function in the retina to integrate, modulate, and segregate the bipolar cell input to the ganglion cells. They are crucial for temporal and spatial integration of visual information. They also play a role in the adaptation of the retina to different light levels.

Types

There are about 30 different types of amacrine cells, each with a unique role in processing visual information. Some of the most well-known types include the AII amacrine cell, which is involved in the rod pathway, and the starburst amacrine cell, which plays a role in direction selectivity.

Anatomy

Amacrine cells are typically small, with a diameter of about 10 micrometers. They have a cell body from which several dendrites radiate. These dendrites can make synapses with other cells in the inner plexiform layer of the retina.

Synaptic Connections

Amacrine cells make synaptic connections with bipolar cells, ganglion cells, and other amacrine cells. They can either be inhibitory or excitatory, depending on the type of neurotransmitter they release.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in amacrine cells have been associated with several retinal diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration.

See Also

• Retina
• Bipolar cell
• Ganglion cell
• AII amacrine cell
• Starburst amacrine cell
• Retinitis pigmentosa
• Macular degeneration

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