Fig. 4
Effect of kainate superfusion on the ERG b-wave amplitudes from both genotypes. After reaching the equilibrium of a maximum b-wave amplitude without kainate (KA), the nutrient solution was completed with 27 μM KA causing a transient increase of the b-wave amplitude. For each genotype, the initial amplitude (“Ames”) was plotted as 100%. The subsequent maximum amplitude (“KA max.”) and the amplitude at the end of the 30 min superfusion period (“KA 21/30 Min.”) was plotted as relative increase, respectively. During washout, the amplitude decreased beyond the initial equilibrium value. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001. a Normalized amplitudes of the retinas from Cav2.3/competent mice (n = 7). During the 30 min superfusion period, an increase of the b-wave occurred in Cav2.3-competent mice to 297 ± 44% of the initial amplitude in equilibrium (p < 0.01). The b-wave amplitude was still significantly (p < 0.05) increased at the end of the KA washing in period (184 ± 5%). After the washout, the b-wave amplitude was significantly reduced (p < 0.001). b Normalized amplitudes of the retinas from Cav2.3-deficient mice (KO, Knockout) (n = 6). In Cav2.3-deficient mice, the b-wave increased to 249 ± 13% (p < 0.01). The b-wave amplitude was still significantly (p < 0.05) increased at the end of the KA washing in period (162 ± 19%). After the washout, the b-wave amplitude was significantly reduced (p < 0.001). c Comparison of the maximum values from panel A and B for both genotypes. The maximum increase was not significantly different between both genotypes (see b). d Overlay of the mean traces for wild type and Cav2.3-deficient mice