Development of electroretinogram and rod phototransduction response in human infants.

Abstract

Results from the a-wave analysis are consistent with immaturities in the rod photoreceptors early in life. The difference from those of the adult may be explained by lower neonatal concentrations in one or more of the transduction substrates, decreased outer segment length, and, possibly, decreased density of some membrane proteins mediating the cationic dark current. Early adultlike b-wave amplitudes suggest early maturity for the inner retinal elements (rod bipolar and Müller cells) underlying b-wave response, compared to the photoreceptors.