Guinea pigs reared in a monochromatic environment exhibit changes in cone density and opsin expression

This study aimed to determine if a monochromatic environment will affect the development of cones in a guinea pig model. Thirty 3-day-old guinea pigs were randomized into three groups and exposed to green, violet, and white light (control) for 8 weeks. The animals were sacrificed and the density of middle-wavelength cones (M cones) and short-wavelength sensitive (S cones) and expression of M-opsin and S-opsin were determined. The density of M cones was increased in the green light group as compared to the control group, and decreased in the violet light group as compared to the control group (both, p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the density of the S cones among the groups (all, p > 0.05). The density of coexpressing cones in the middle retina was significantly increased in the green light group in comparison to the violet light group (p < 0.01). In addition, there was a significant increase in the level of M-opsin as determined by Western blotting and M-opsin mRNA expression as determined by PCR analysis in the green light group as compared to the control group and a significant decrease in violet light group as compared to the control group (all, p < 0.05). No significant difference in S-opsin level or S-opsin mRNA expression was noted among the groups. We concluded that monochromatic lighting affected the density of cones and expression of opsins in a guinea pig model, and this indicates that the retinal color visual system of the guinea pig possess developmental plasticity.

► We expose newborn guinea pigs to different monochromatic environments respectively. ► Density of M cones and S cones and expression of M-opsin and S-opsin were determined. ► Monochromatic lighting affected the density of cones and expression of opsins. ► Retinal color visual system of the guinea pig possesses developmental plasticity.