Rod and cone signals in the horizontal cells of the tiger salamander retina.

1. Intracellular recordings of horizontal cell responses to monochromatic lights of various wave-lengths and intensities were made in the retina of the larval tiger salamander in order to determine the contributions of rod and cone activities to horizontal cell responses. 2. Under conditions of extensive dark adaptation, and with dim light stimulation, the horizontal cell responses reflected mainly rod activity. In the light-adapted state or at high light intensities the cone contribution was dominant. 3. Bright adapting flashes selectively suppressed the rod component of horizontal cell responses. 4. Intracellular recordings from rods and cones showed that interactions between the two receptor types are very small and cannot account for the large rod--cone mixed input observed in horizontal cells. It is concluded that this input is mediated by direct connexions between receptors and horizontal cells.