Dietary omega-3 fatty acids and ganglion cell function

Abstract

PURPOSE. Diet-induced deficiencies in Omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids are well known to alter photoreceptor function. In this study, the broader functional changes in a diversity of retinal neurons were considered. METHODS. Sprague-Dawley dams were fed either ω-3-sufficient (ω-3+, n = 21) or -deficient (ω-3-, n = 19) diets 5 weeks before conception, with the pups continued on the mothers' diet. After 20 weeks of age, electroretinograms (ERGs) were recorded by using protocols that isolate separate cellular generators, including; photoreceptors (PIII), ON-bipolar cells (PII), and ganglion/amacrine cells (STR). At the brightest energies, rod and cone responses were isolated with a paired-flash paradi..