Objective   To investigate the distribution of voltage-dependent calcium channel (VDCC) α₁F subunit in retina and its correlation with retinal development and electroretinograms (ERGs).

Methods  Experimental study. Immunofluorescent staining method was used to determine the expression and distribution of VDCC α₁F subunit in retina of α₁F^-/-(homozygous mutant) and α₁F^+/+ (wild type) mice. Retinal thickness of the degenerate layer was measured in α₁F^-/- mice at 3, 6, 9, 14 days and 3 months after birth. Age-matched wild-type α₁F^+/+ mice were used as a control group. Full-field ERGs were recorded in the two strains. Independent samples t test was used to analysis the data.

Results  (1) In α₁F^-/- mice retina, α₁F subunit was not observed; In α₁F^+/+ mice retina, α₁F subunit of VDCC was found to express mainly in the outer and inner plexiform layer (OPL and IPL); (2) Retinal structure analysis showed the OPL of the subunit deficient mice was greatly shortened or disappeared from 9 days to 3 months after birth compared with the age-matched wild-type control group. (3) ERGs of the subunit deficient mice showed a statistically decreased b-wave, but not a-wave.

Conclusions  In retina, α₁F subunit of VDCC is closely related to development of the OPL and electrical transduction.