Retinal neurons and Müller cells express amiloride-sensitive
Na+ channels (ASSCs). Although all major subunits of these
channels are expressed, their physiological role is relatively unknown in
this system. In the present study, we used the electroretinogram (ERG)
recorded from anesthetized rabbits and isolated rat and rabbit retina
preparations to investigate the physiological significance of ASSCs in the
retina. Based upon our previous study showing expression of α-ENaC and
functional amiloride-sensitive currents in rabbit Müller cells, we
expected changes in Müller cell components of the ERG. However, we
observed changes in other components of the ERG as well. The presence of
amiloride elicited changes in all major components of the ERG; the
a-wave, b-wave, and d-wave (off response) were
enhanced, while there was a reduction in the amplitude of the Müller
cell response (slow PIII). These results suggest that ASSCs play an
important role in retinal function including neuronal and Müller cell
physiology.