The Retina: A Model for Cell Biology Studies

The Retina: A Model for Cell Biology Studies, Part II, is the second of a two-part series that details developments in the study of retinal cell biology. The book begins with a review of the current evidence for the role of putative neurotransmitters at particular synapses in the retina. It then discusses pre- and postsynaptic regulatory mechanisms; the interactions of neurotransmitter-neuromodulatory systems; and cellular effects of putative neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. This is followed by an introduction to vision psychophysics, showing its application in studying the functioning of cells in the retina. The remaining chapters discuss how the retinal pigment epithelium cell might be used as a model for studying biological problems of current interest; extracellular matrix molecules; concepts and controversies regarding the biology of endothelial cells, the key elements in the phenomenon of intraocular neovascularization; the use of genetic mutations and genetic mosaics for the study of the retina; and the retina as a regenerating organ.