Dopaminergic mechanisms in the teleost retina. II. Factors affecting the accumulation of cyclic AMP in pieces of intact carp retina.

The ability of dopamine, dopamine agonists, other proposed retinal neurotransmitters, depolarizing agents and light to stimulate adenylate cyclase activity in pieces of intact carp retina has been examined. The evidence indicates that a dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase is the only neurotransmitter activated adenylate cyclase in the carp retina. That is, only dopamine, or agents that activate dopamine receptors, appear to stimulate cyclic AMP synthesis in the retina. Depolarizing agents such as K+ or veratridine also increase retinal cyclic AMP levels, but apparently by releasing endogenous stores of dopamine. For example, the increase of retinal cyclic AMP levels induced by 45 mM-K+ is blocked by 5 mM-Co2+ or 100 microM-haloperidol, a dopamine antagonist. Flashing lights slightly increase cyclic AMP levels in the retina, an effect that is likewise abolished by haloperidol.