Proc Biol Sci. 2014 Feb 19;281(1780):20132995. Print 2014.
The spectral transmission of ocular media suggests ultraviolet
sensitivity is widespread among mammals.

Douglas RH1, Jeffery G.

Author information
Department of Optometry and Visual Science, City University London, ,
Northampton Square, London EC1V 0HB, UK, Institute of Ophthalmology,
University College London, , 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK.

Abstract
Although ultraviolet (UV) sensitivity is widespread among animals it is
considered rare in mammals, being restricted to the few species that
have a visual pigment maximally sensitive ([lambda]max) below 400 nm.
However, even animals without such a pigment will be UV-sensitive if
they have ocular media that transmit these wavelengths, as all visual
pigments absorb significant amounts of UV if the energy level is
sufficient. Although it is known that lenses of diurnal sciurid
rodents, tree shrews and primates prevent UV from reaching the retina,
the degree of UV transmission by ocular media of most other mammals
without a visual pigment with [lambda]max in the UV is unknown. We
examined lenses of 38 mammalian species from 25 families in nine
orders and observed large diversity in the degree of short-wavelength
transmission. All species whose lenses removed short wavelengths had
retinae specialized for high spatial resolution and relatively high
cone numbers, suggesting that UV removal is primarily linked to
increased acuity. Other mammals, however, such as hedgehogs, dogs,
cats, ferrets and okapis had lenses transmitting significant amounts
of UVA (315-400 nm), suggesting that they will be UV-sensitive even
without a specific UV visual pigment.

KEYWORDS:
lens, mammal, retina, transmission, ultraviolet sensitivity, vision

PMID: 24552839 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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