Neurons of the horizontal cell retinal neural network are subject to modulation by the neurotransmitter nitric oxide (NO). We have examined the effects of NO on glutamate receptor function in isolated horizontal cells from the perch (Perca fluviatilis) using the concentration ramp technique to simultaneously record receptor current and agonist concentration. Dose-response curves for glutamate (0-1 mM) and kainate (0-200 microM) were measured in the presence and absence of 1-2 mM sodium nitroprusside (SNP), 1 mM 8-Br-cGMP, 100 microM cyclothiazide or 200 microM dopamine as modulators. SNP increased the EC50 (i.e. decreased affinity) for glutamate and increased Imax (i.e. increased efficacy), whereas 8-Br-cGMP increased EC50, but not Imax. In the presence of the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA) receptor desensitization blocker cyclothiazide, the SNP-induced increase in EC50 persisted, but the increase in Imax was blocked. The increase in EC50, but not the increase in Imax was also observed when the non-desensitizing agonist kainate (100-200 microM) was applied in the presence of SNP. When 2 mM SNP and 200 microM dopamine were applied together, they increased Imax (740 vs. 2455 pA) and EC50 (422 vs. 682 microM). Our findings indicate that NO modulates horizontal cell glutamate responses by reducing the affinity of receptors for glutamate while simultaneously increasing the maximal current. The shift in affinity is cGMP-mediated and independent of desensitization. The action of NO on horizontal cell glutamate receptors is distinct from, but synergistic with. that of dopamine. Glutamate receptor modulation by NO qualitatively predicts the action of NO on horizontal cell light responses in situ and may alter transmission at visual synapses according to adaptational conditions.