Modulation of cone-to-horizontal-cell signal transmission in the turtle retina by magnesium ions

The modulation by magnesium ions of cone-to-horizontal-cell signal transmission was studied in the turtle superfused everted eye-cup preparation using solutions which contained various concentrations of divalent cations and/or chelating agents (EDTA and EGTA). Removal of magnesium ions from 'normal' solutions had no apparent effect on the horizontal cells provided that 'normal' levels of calcium ions were maintained. Solutions which actively removed calcium but contained 'normal' levels of magnesium hyperpolarized horizontal cells, reduced the amplitude of their photoresponses but also changed the character of these photoresponses: dim stimuli evoked purely depolarizing responses while bright flashes elicited triphasic responses. Active removal of both calcium and magnesium from the superfusate and from retinal stores with chelators depolarized the horizontal cell and eliminated light-evoked responses. These solutions also depolarized the cones but augmented their light-evoked responses. We conclude that magnesium ions can modulate the membrane potential of horizontal cells, but this role can be revealed only in the absence of calcium ions. Further, the depolarizing responses seen in low calcium, 'normal' magnesium superfusion indicate that the ionic mechanisms underlying the horizontal cell photoresponse are more complex than has been previously described.