Maturation of the photopic b-wave and oscillatory potentials of the electroretinogram in the neonatal rabbit

We examined the ontogenesis of the b-wave of the rabbit electroretinogram (ERG) in light adaptation and looked at the contribution of the oscillatory potentials (OPs) to the waveform at each stage of development. Recordings were obtained weekly from 2 to 5 weeks of age in six rabbits and every other day during the second week of life in six others. Comparative analysis of the ERGs showed a changing peak time and amplitude of the photopic b-wave with increasing age, consistent with the development of new components corresponding to the OPs. The results illustrate the importance of the OPs in determining both the amplitude and peak time of the photopic b-wave in the maturing rabbit.