Characterization of an ultraviolet photoreception mechanism in the retina of an amphibian, the axolotl ( Ambystoma mexicanum)

Spectral sensitivity measurements from the retina of the Mexican salamander Ambystoma mexicanum (the “axolotl”) were used to provide evidence for and to characterize an amphibian ultraviolet-sensitive photoreception mechanism. Electroretinograms (transretinal voltage responses) were recorded from open eye cup preparations to analyze the spectral sensitivity of the retina. Both dark-adapted and white light-adapted preparations exhibited a peak in sensitivity between 360–370 nm. Under selective chromatic adaptation with long-wavelength light the eye cups continued to exhibit a peak sensitivity around 360 nm. These data confirm the presence of ultraviolet-sensitive cones in the retina of Ambystoma salamanders. The possible relevance of these results to the development and behavior of this group of salamanders is briefly discussed.