Biplexiform ganglion cells contact photoreceptors in the retina of the greenling Hexagrammos octogrammus

The biplexiform cell (bpxRGC) is a relatively and recently discovered type of retinal ganglion cells. Like “ordinary” ganglion cells, bpxRGCs have dendrites arborizing within the inner plexiform layer. However, as distinct from other ganglion cells, they have dendrites ascending to the outer plexiform layer. To date, bpxRGCs have been found in mammals, amphibians, and teleost fishes (Cook et al. [1996] Vis Neurosci 13:517–528). The mammalian and amphibian bpxRGCs form direct contacts with photoreceptors and may participate in rapid signal transmission to the brain (Mariani [1982] Science 216:1134–1136; Straznicky and Gábriel [1995] J Hirnforsch 36:135–141). The synaptic organization of teleost bpxRGCs has not been studied. We have studied the synaptic structure of bpxRGCs in the teleost fish Hexagrammos octogrammus. In the sclerad part of the outer plexiform layer, bpxRGC dendrites occurred among the elements in invaginated ribbon synapses (triads) in cone pedicles and rod spherules. Earlier, we showed that greenling bpxRGCs project to the optic tectum (Podugolnikova et al. [2002] Sensornye systemy 15:44–53). We suggest that greenling bpxRGCs participate in some of the tectum‐mediated reactions requiring a quick launch of visuomotor reflexes. Synapse 64:937–940, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.