Analysis of spatio-temporal light responses of retinal cells using a new multi-electrode array on integrated circuit

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The purpose of our research is the elucidation of neural circuit mechanisms concerning with spatio-temporal visual processing in retina by the approach of both electrophysiological experiment using multi-electrode and modeling simulation.We developed the new multi-microelectrode array which is suitable to record light responses from retinal ganglion cell. The array was developed using selective vapor-liquid-sold (VLS) growth method and integrated circuit (IC) process on Si(111) substrate. The length and diameter of probes on the array was controlled in a few micrometers. We also established the electrophysiological recording system using the array based on the ordinary system.In the modeling approach, we developed mathematical model of synaptic mechanisms between bipolar cell and ganglion cell. The model described intracellular transmission mechanisms in synapse of bipolar cell based on their physiological evidence, and well reproduced the I-V relationship and the capacitance jump responses to pulses with various durations. The model would allow us to construct network model from photoreceptor to ganglion cell, and to analyze neural mechanisms in direct pathway of visual information in retina.