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L:M-cone ratio estimates of the outer and inner retina and its impact on sex differences in ERG amplitudes

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Abstract

The relative number of L- and M-cones varies greatly between individuals. Differences in the relative number of L- and M-cones may also contribute to the sex difference in the ERG response amplitude reported several times. We therefore investigated the relative number of L- and M-cones and its impact on sex differences in ERG amplitudes. Multifocal ERG (mfERG) and multifocal oscillatory potentials (mfOP) combined with a cone silent substitution technique were used to investigate outer and inner retinal signals recorded from 7 female and 7 male trichromats. L:M ratios were estimated from peak amplitude as well as from area under curve (AUC) analysis. For mfERGs the L:M ratios estimates were independent of the method of analysis, while for mfOPs, differences were found which are possibly due to an artefact in the calculation of ratios for small responses. There was a tendency for lower L:M ratios in female than in male subjects for both analysis of mfERG and mfOP responses. The (L+M)-response amplitudes at both sites were slightly higher and the L:M ratios were lower for female than for male observers. Because the magnitude of the ERG amplitude differences is larger than could be explained by L:M-ratio and axial length differences, we conclude that it may be due to a direct effect of sex hormones on ion channel function.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by grants SFB430 (TP A6) and JA997/5-1 of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Bonn-Bad Godesberg, Germany) and fortüne 1128-0-0 of the fortüne program of the University Tübingen awarded to H.J.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathophysiology of Vision & Neuro-Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital, Schleichstr. 12-16, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany

    Herbert Jägle, Judith Heine & Anne Kurtenbach

  2. Department of Strabismology & Neuro-Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital, Göttingen, Germany

    Herbert Jägle

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  1. Herbert Jägle
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  2. Judith Heine
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  3. Anne Kurtenbach
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Correspondence to Herbert Jägle.

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Jägle, H., Heine, J. & Kurtenbach, A. L:M-cone ratio estimates of the outer and inner retina and its impact on sex differences in ERG amplitudes. Doc Ophthalmol 113, 105–113 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10633-006-9019-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10633-006-9019-8

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