Synapsin I expression in the rat retina during postnatal development

Summary The expression of the synapsin I gene was studied during postnatal development of the rat retina at the mRNA and protein levels. In situ hybridization histochemistry showed that synapsin I mRNA was expressed already in nerve cells in the ganglion cell layer of the neonatal retina, while it appeared in neurons of the inner nuclear layer from postnatal day 4 onward. Maximal expression of synapsin I mRNA was observed at P12 in ganglion cells and in neurons of the inner nuclear layer followed by moderate expression in the adult. At the protein level a shift of synapsin I appearance was observed from cytoplasmic to terminal localization during retinal development by immunohistochemistry. In early stages (P4 and P8), synapsin I was seen in neurons of the ganglion cell layer and in neurons of the developing inner nuclear layer as well as in the developing inner plexiform layer. In the developing outer plexiform layer synapsin I was localized only in horizontal cells and in their processes. Its early appearance at P4 indicated the early maturation of this cell type. A shift and strong increase of labelling to the plexiform layers at P12 indicated the localization of synapsin I in synaptic terminals. The inner plexiform layer exhibited a characteristic stratified pattern. Photoreceptor cells never exhibited synapsin I mRNA or synapsin I protein throughout development.Abbreviations GCL ganglion cell layer - INB inner neuroblast layer - INL inner nuclear layer - IPL inner plexiform layer - ONB outer neuroblast layer - ONL outer nuclear layer - OPL outer plexiform layer     

钠尿肽受体A在小鼠视网膜发育过程中的表达

目的检测钠尿肽受体(NPR)在不同年龄小鼠视网膜内的表达,探讨其在视网膜发育过程中的作用。方法收集从受孕16日(E16)到出生90日(P90)小鼠眼球标本共127只,对NPR-A进行免疫荧光检测。结果NPR-A广泛存在于视网膜神经元中,例如,在外核层,NPR-A于P7开始高表达在视锥、视杆细胞内、外突起上,于P14减弱,P30之后持续稳定弱表达;在内核层,从P7开始NPR-A持续弱表达在双极细胞的突起中,而在水平细胞中未见NPR-A表达;在神经节细胞层,NPR-A于E16开始高表达在神经节细胞胞体中,P14明显减弱,而在神经纤维层,即神经节细胞的轴突中,NPR-A从胚胎期至成年持续高表达;在外网状层和内网状层,NPR-A于P14均高表达,但于P30之后逐渐减弱。此外,NPR-A还广泛的存在于Müller细胞的突起中。结论 NPR-A参与了视网膜的发育,可能是小鼠视网膜神经元发育过程中的关键分子,并对Müller细胞的功能活动起着重要的调节作用。     

Expression profile of heat shock protein 108 during retinal development in the chick

In the developing chick retina, heat shock protein 108 (HSP108), which exhibits transferrin binding activity, has been demonstrated at the mRNA level, while transferrin shows two expression peaks. Here, we investigated the expression profile of HSP108 in the developing chick retina at the protein level. The localization of HSP108 in embryonic days 15 (E15), E18, and postnatal day 2 (P2) chick retina was examined immunohistochemically using monoclonal antibody 9G10 specific for chick HSP108, while the expression levels of HSP108 in developing chick retina from E12 to P2 and adult were measured by Western blot analysis. HSP108 was expressed in the ganglion cell layer, inner nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer, outer nuclear layer, inner segments of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium. Two peaks of HSP108 expression were found at around E13 and E18, respectively. Since the two HSP108 peaks appeared to be correlated with the transferrin expression peaks during retinal development, HSP108 may be associated with iron metabolism during the development of the retina.     

锌转运体ZNT7在小鼠视网膜的定位分布

目的研究锌转运体-7(zinc transporter 7,ZNT7)在小鼠视网膜的定位和分布。方法应用免疫组织化学技术检测CD-1小鼠视网膜内的ZNT7免疫反应产物的表达。结果ZNT7在小鼠视网膜内分布广泛,在神经节细胞和色素上皮细胞内ZNT7免疫阳性反应产物的表达最丰富,在无长突细胞和视神经纤维层中ZNT7免疫阳性反应产物为中等程度的表达,在内网层、外网层和光感受器外节中ZNT7免疫阳性染色较淡,在外核层和光感受器内节中ZNT7几乎没有表达。结论ZNT7可能在维持视网膜锌稳态过程中起到重要的作用。     

Neuronal expression of P2X3 purinoceptors in the rat retina

P2X3 purinoceptors are involved in fast, excitatory neurotransmission in the nervous system, and are expressed predominantly within sensory neurons. In this study, we examined the cellular and synaptic localization of the P2X3 receptor subunit in the retina of the rat using immunofluorescence immunohistochemistry and pre-embedding immunoelectron microscopy. In addition, we investigated the activity of ecto-ATPases in the inner retina using an enzyme cytochemical method. The P2X3 receptor subunit was expressed in the soma of a subset of GABA immunoreactive amacrine cells, some of which also expressed protein kinase C-alpha. In addition, punctate immunoreactivity was observed within both the inner and outer plexiform layers of the retina. Double labeling studies showed that P2X3 receptor puncta were associated with both rod and cone bipolar cell axon terminals in the inner plexiform layer. Ultrastructural studies indicated that P2X3 receptor subunits were expressed on putative A17 amacrine cells at sites of reciprocal synaptic input to the rod bipolar cell axon terminal. Moreover, we observed P2X3 immunolabeling on amacrine cell processes that were associated with cone bipolar cell axon terminals and other conventional synapses. In the outer retina, P2X3 immunoreactivity was observed on specialized junctions made by putative interplexiform cells. Ecto-ATPase activity was localized to the inner plexiform layer on the extracellular side of all plasma membranes, but was not apparent in the ganglion cell layer or the inner nuclear layer, suggesting that ATP dephosphorylation occurs exclusively in synaptic regions of the inner retina. These data provide further evidence that purines participate in retinal transmission, particularly within the rod pathway.     

Immunohistochemical localization of heat shock protein 27 in the retina of pigs

The expression of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) was examined in the retinas of pigs. Western blot analysis detected the expression of HSP27 in the retinas of 1-day-old piglets and showed that it was enhanced in the retinas of 6-month-old adult pigs. Immunohistochemically, HSP27 immunostaining was seen mainly in ganglion cell bodies in the ganglion cell layer, and in some processes of astrocytes in the innermost nerve fiber layer. In 1-day-old piglets, HSP27 was detected weakly in the inner plexiform, inner nuclear cell, outer plexiform, and rod and cone layers. The HSP27 immunoreactivity across the retinal layers was enhanced in the retinas of 6-month-old pigs compared with newborn piglets. The HSP27 immunoreactivity in the radial processes of Müller cells was particularly prominent in adult pig retinas. In summary, this finding suggests that HSP27 plays an important role in signal transduction of glial cells and neuronal cells in the retina.     

人胎视网膜超氧化物歧化酶和波形蛋白免疫阳性细胞的发育

目的：观察人胎视网膜超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）和波形蛋白（VIM）免疫阳性细胞的分布发育。方法：不同孕龄的人胎16例,ABC免疫细胞化学方法显示视网膜SOD和VIM免疫阳性细胞,结果：（1）SOD免疫阳性细胞：E15w节细胞层开始出现SOD免疫阳性细胞;D20W和E28W SOD免疫阳性细胞排列较整齐,分布于视网膜的外核层,内核层,节细胞层,其数量增多,其中内核层SOD免疫阳性细胞增多明显。（2）VIM免疫阳性细胞的发育：E15w内界膜开始出现Muller细胞的VIM免疫阳性终足,并见VIM免疫阳性突起伸向外界膜;E20 人VIM免疫阳性物质集中于内界膜,并见VIM免疫阳性突起伸向外界膜;E28wVIM免疫阳性物质的数量较E20w以前各孕龄明显增多,除色素上皮和视杆视锥层外均有VIM免疫阳性物质出现,除伸向外界膜的VIM免疫阳性突起外,还内网层,内核层,节细胞层和神经纤维层还可见水平走行的细胞突起,结论：（1）视网膜发育基本成熟后,视网膜SOD可能主要来源于内核层的SOD免疫阳性细胞。（3）视网膜神经纤维髓鞘是从内向外逐渐形成的。     

Dopaminergic transmission in the rat retina: evidence for volume transmission

The study was designed to determine whether dopaminergic neurotransmission in the retina can operate via volume transmission. In double immunolabelling experiments, a mismatch as well as a match was demonstrated in the rat retina between tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine (DA) immunoreactive (ir) terminals and cell bodies and dopamine D2 receptor-like ir cell bodies and processes. The match regions were located in the inner nuclear and plexiform layers (D2 ir cell bodies plus processes). The mismatch regions were located in the ganglion cell layer, the outer plexiform layer, and the outer segment of the photoreceptor layer, where very few TH ir terminals can be found in relation to the D2 like ir processes. In similar experiments analyzing D1 receptor like ir processes versus TH ir nerve terminals, mainly a mismatch in their distribution could be demonstrated, with the D1 like ir processes present in the outer plexiform layer and the outer segment where a mismatch in D2 like receptors also exists. The demonstration of a mismatch between the localization of the TH terminal plexus and the dopamine D2 and D1 receptor subtypes in the outer plexiform layer, the outer segment and the ganglion cell layer (only D2 immunoreactivity (IR)) suggests that dopamine, mainly from the inner plexiform layer, may reach the D2 and D1 mismatch receptors via diffusion in the extracellular space. After injecting dopamine into the corpus vitreum, dopamine diffuses through the retina, and strong catecholamine (CA) fluorescence appears in the entire inner plexiform layer and the entire outer plexiform layer, representing the match and mismatch DA receptor areas, respectively. The DA is probably bound to D1 and D2 receptors in both plexiform layers, since the DA receptor antagonist chlorpromazine fully blocks the appearance of the DA fluorescence, while only a partial blockade is found after haloperidol treatment which mainly blocks D2 receptors. These results indicate that the amacrine and/or interplexiform DA cells, with sparse branches in the outer plexiform layer, can operate via volume transmission in the rat retina to influence the outer plexiform layer and the outer segment, as well as other layers of the rat retina such as the ganglion cell layer.     

Expression and cell localization of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and TrkB during zebrafish retinal development

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling through TrkB regulates different aspects of neuronal development, including survival, axonal and dendritic growth, and synapse formation. Despite recent advances in our understanding of the functional significance of BDNF and TrkB in the retina, the cell types in the retina that express BDNF and TrkB, and the variations in their levels of expression during development, remain poorly defined. The goal of the present study is to determine the age‐dependent changes in the levels of expression and localization of BDNF and TrkB in the zebrafish retina. Zebrafish retinas from 10 days post‐fertilization (dpf) to 180 dpf were used to perform PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Both BDNF and TrkB mRNAs, and BDNF and full‐length TrkB proteins were detected at all ages sampled. The localization of these proteins in the retina was very similar at all time points studied. BDNF immunoreactivity was found in the outer nuclear layer, the outer plexiform layer and the inner plexiform layer, whereas TrkB immunoreactivity was observed in the inner plexiform layer and, to a lesser extent, in the ganglion cell layer. These results demonstrate that the pattern of expression of BDNF and TrkB in the retina of zebrafish remains unchanged during postembryonic development and adult life. Because TrkB expression in retina did not change with age, cells expressing TrkB may potentially be able to respond during the entire lifespan of zebrafish to BDNF either exogenously administered or endogenously produced, acting through paracrine mechanisms.     

Somatostatin-like immunoreactivity in amacrine cells of the chicken retina

Somatostatin-like immunoreactivity was detected in chicken retina by radioimmunoassay. The levels of somatostatin-like immunoreactivity decreased after intra-ocular injection of kainic acid, but were not affected by destruction of the ganglion cells. By immunohistochemistry, somatostatinimmunoreactive amacrine cells were found in the inner nuclear layer. These cells were destroyed by kainic acid. At least some of the cells projected to all three sub-layers of the inner plexiform layer in which there were diffuse bands of fluorescence. Specific immunofluorescence was also detected at the level of the outer limiting membrane and the optic nerve fibre layer, but the outer nuclear and plexiform layers, horizontal, bipolar and ganglion cells did not show specific immunofluorescence.It is suggested that other amacrine cell sub-classes, defined in terms of their putative transmitter, may show specific patterns of cell body location and size, and terminal arborisation.     

Neuronal and glial localization of homocysteate-like immunoreactivity in the rat retina

Summary To study the distribution ofl-homocysteate in the rat retina, specific polyclonal and monoclonal anti-homocysteate antibodies have been used in combination with a highly sensitive postembedding method for light microscopic immunocytochemistry. In central and peripheral retina, the most strongly immunoreactive cell bodies lay in the inner nuclear layer. They represented about 17% of the total neuronal cell population of the layer and were identified as bipolar cells (19–20% of cells in the outer half of the inner nuclear layer) and amacrine cells (15% of cells in the inner half of the inner nuclear layer). A third cell type showing heavy homocysteate-like immunoreactivity was identified as Müller glial cells. Characteristically, their descending processes formed three immunoreactive bands in the inner plexiform layer. Furthermore, the outer and inner limiting membranes as well as glia around and between ganglion cell axons and in the vicinity of blood vessels were labelled intensely. Photoreceptors and their terminals, and ganglion cells, were not immunostained. These findings indicate the presence of homocysteate in some bipolar and amacrine cells of the inner nuclear layer and support a role for this sulphur-containing excitatory amino acid as a neurotransmitter candidate in the retina.     

牛蛙视网膜内γ-氨基丁酸免疫阳性反应的分布

用免疫组织化学ABC法．研究了GABA免疫阳性反应在牛蛙视网膜的分布。证明光感受器内段（主要是视锥细胞）呈棕褐色的GABA反应;在外核层未见GABA标记的胞体,但在靠近外网层处偶见GABA标记的终末;在内核层,大量无长突细胞呈GABA反应阳性,并可鉴别出胞体染色较深和淡的两个亚群,一些双极细胞和个别水平细胞的胞体及它们的突起呈较弱的GABA反应阳性,偶见双极细胞轴突终末以膨体紧密贴附在GABA标记的无长突细胞上。在节细胞层,一些神经节细胞和散在的移位无长突细胞呈GABA反应阳性。此外．外网层和内网层均呈GABA反应阳性。上述结果表明,GABA广泛分布于牛蛙视网膜的各层,提示它在视觉信号的传递过程中发挥着重要作用。     

Tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive interplexiform cells in the lamprey retina

The distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity was investigated in retinae of metamorphic, postmetamorphic and adult lampreys. Immunoreactive cell bodies were located mainly in the innermost part of the inner nuclear layer, with a few cells scattered throughout the inner plexiform layer. The processes of these neurons ran preferentially in the inner plexiform layer. Additionally, dense plexus of labelled processes were observed in the outer plexiform and nuclear layers. These findings suggest that most of the tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cells in the lamprey retina are interplexiform cells.     

Roller organ cultures of the retina from postnatal rats

Whole retinas of 2–14-day-old rats were cultured in a roller device for 2–14 days. Floating retinas of 7–14-day-old rats formed hole spheroid structures (spheroids) with the wall completely retaining the linear structure and layer-by-layer cellular and fibrous architecture, including the outer nuclear, outer plexiform, inner nuclear, inner plexiform layers, layers of ganglion cells and nerve fibers. The retina obtained at earlier terms of development often formed folds, with pyknotic nuclei of dead neurons in their deep compartments. In organ cultures of the retina isolated from rats at early postnatal periods, rosettes were formed in sites of local injury to the outer nuclear layer and pigmented epithelium. Roller organ cultures can be used for in vitro studies of the development and experimental diseases of the retina. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 142, No. 10, pp. 471–474, October, 2006     

Histology of the ferret retina

The retina of the adult ferret, Mustelo furo, was studied with light and transmission electron microscopy to provide an anatomical basis for use of the ferret as a model for retinal research. The pigment epithelium is a simple cuboidal layer of cells characterized by a zone of basal folds, apical microvilli, and pigment granules at various stages of maturation. The distinction between rod and cone photoreceptor cells is based on their location, morphology, heterochromatin pattern and the electron density of their inner segments. The round, light-staining cone cell nuclei occupy the layer of perikarya along the apical border of the outer nuclear layer. The remainder of the outer nuclear layer consists of oblong, deeply-stained rod cell nuclei. Ribbon type synaptic complexes involving photoreceptor cell axons, horizontal cell processes, and bipolar cell dendrites characterize the outer plexiform layer. The inner nuclear layer is comprised of horizontal, bipolar, and amacrine cell perikarya as well as the perikarya of the Müller cells. The light-staining horizontal cell nuclei are prominent along the apical border of the inner nuclear layer. The light-staining amacrine cell nuclei form a more or less continuous layer along the basal border of the inner nuclear layer. Both conventional and ribbon-type synapses characterize the inner plexiform layer. The ganglion cells form a single cell layer. The optic fiber layer contains bundles of axons surrounded by Müller cell processes. Small blood vessels and capillaries are present in the basal portion of the retina throughout the region extending from the internal limiting membrane to the outer plexiform layer. The adult one-year-old retina is compared with the retina at the time of eye opening.     

Dopaminergic interplexiform cells and centrifugal fibres in the Xenopus retina.

Summary Putative dopaminergic neurons in theXenopus retina were identified using an immunoreaction against tyrosine hydroxylase. A single class of cell was stained whose perikaryon (12–15 m in diameter) was located at the border of the inner nuclear and inner plexiform layers. About 2% of the stained cell bodies were located in the ganglion cell layer, but the distribution of the processes of displaced cells had the same geometry as for the majority of stained cells. Tyrosine hydroxylase-like immunoreactive perikarya gave rise to one to four stout processes that descended to the most proximal level of the inner plexiform layer, within which they branched repeatedly to generate a diffuse network of fine processes. Secondary branches ascended to the most distal sublayer of the inner plexiform layer where they ramified into fine processes that joined other fibres arising horizontally from the cell body and confined to the distal inner plexiform layer throughout their course. The diameter of the dendritic arbor of stained cells was in the range of 350–600 m. The dense network of fine fibres within the distal inner plexiform layer was arrayed in rings that surrounded other amacrine cells; using an antiserum against glycine we found that at least some of these were glycinergic neurons. Most tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons emitted one or two fine ascending processes that arose from the perikaryon, traversed the inner plexiform layer and arborized within the outer plexiform layer. Additionally, fine varicose fibres arising from the sublayer 1 of the inner plexiform layer and running to the outer retina were observed. Thus, based on light microscopic criteria, dopaminergic neurons in theXenopus retina appeared to be interplexiform cells. A few tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive fibres were observed in the optic nerve, some of which entered the inner retina where they ramified, thus indicating that they were centrifugal axons. In addition, a small number of stout smooth processes were observed to traverse the entire inner nuclear layer and course laterally at the level of the photoreceptor bases. Whether this second class of ascending process arises from the tyrosine hydroxylase-like immunoreactive efferents remains to be determined. The total number of dopaminergic neurons per retina was 750–800, equivalent to an average density of 30 cells mm^–2. The dendritic fields of adjacent cells strongly overlapped, with an estimated coverage factor of 4.8.     

人胚胎视网膜内神经丝蛋白的出现和分布

用免疫组织化学ＡＢＣ法研究了２５０例４－３８周人胚胎视网膜中神经丝蛋白（ＮＦ）的出现和分布。发现第３２周胎儿视网膜神经纤维层出现ＮＦ阳性纤维。至出生时，神经纤维层卫性纤维增多、增粗，但仍未达成人的水平。人胎视网膜ＮＦ主要分布于节细胞轴突，成人除节细胞胞体和轴突外，内网层也有少数ＮＦ阳性纤维。     

The development of the retina of the albino rat

Morphogenesis of the retina of the Sprague-Dawley albino rat was studied by light microscopy from day 11 of gestation until 225 days after birth. A quantitative analysis during development of retinal volume, thickness of the entire neural retina and thickness of each of the retinal layers, both posteriorly and peripherally, was made. The results indicate that initially a single neuroblastic layer forms and continually thickens by mitosis at its outer border. The retinal layers then form in sequence, moving from the inner retinal border outward and always beginning posteriorly and then spreading peripherally. The transient layer of Chievitz does not appear. All adult layers are present by eight days after birth and each layer thins after reaching its maximal thickness. Total thickness of the retina excluding pigmented epithelium, is greatest on postnatal day 5, but retinal volume only reaches a peak on postnatal days 7 to 12. The nerve fiber, inner plexiform, outer plexiform and bacillary layers all continue to increase in thickness after the ganglion cell and inner and outer nuclear layers reach their maximal width and are beginning to become thinner.     

Expression of Glutamate and GABA during the Process of Rat Retinal Synaptic Plasticity Induced by Acute High Intraocular Pressure

Acute high intraocular pressure (HIOP) can induce plastic changes of retinal synapses during which the expression of the presynaptic marker synaptophysin (SYN) has a distinct spatiotemporal pattern from the inner plexiform layer to the outer plexiform layer. We identified the types of neurotransmitters in the retina that participated in this process and determined the response of these neurotransmitters to HIOP induction. The model of acute HIOP was established by injecting normal saline into the anterior chamber of the rat eye. We found that the number of glutamate-positive cells increased successively from the inner part to the outer part of the retina (from the ganglion cell layer to the inner nuclear layer to the outer nuclear layer) after HIOP, which was similar to the spatiotemporal pattern of SYN expression (internally to externally) following HIOP. However, the distribution and intensity of GABA immunoreactivity in the retina did not change significantly at different survival time post injury and had no direct correlation with SYN expression. Our results suggested that the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate might participate in the plastic process of retinal synapses following acute HIOP, but no evidence was found for the role of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA.