Structure and changes in structure at different light levels are studied by intracellular dye injection combined with confocal and electron microscopy.
Function is studied by computer modelling of the circuit architecture.
Although little is known of the microcircuits in most areas of the brain, substantial progress has been made in the retina, where about one-third of the 60 types of neuron have been identified. Dr. Sterling's research concerns the structure and function of retinal microcircuits. The neurochemicals associated with each cell type are identified by immunocytochemistry, and the synaptic connections of the chemically identified cells are determined by computer reconstructions from electron micrographs of serial sections. The functions of the circuits are studied by computer modelling. Transmitter concentration at a three dimensional synapse.