Analysis of A and B Wave Interaction in the Rabbit Retina

Abstract

WORKING with modified versions of Ames's^1,2 technique for maintaining a functioning but isolated rabbit retina, we have presented evidence which strongly supports the hypothesis that the prominent negative wave exhibited by this preparation is equivalent to the A wave of the ordinary electroretinogram³. In addition, we have been able to analyse this response into photopic and scotopic functions which probably correspond to the A₁ and A₂ waves identified by Heck and Rendahl⁴ and others using intact animals. On occasion, the isolated retinal preparation will exhibit what appear to be both the A and B waves. (The conditions under which the B wave occurs are now under investigation. However, at this time we do not have enough results to offer in the form of a communication. Furthermore, at present we must rely on the spurious occurrence of the potential and this accounts for the-embarrassing 60-cycle artefact.)