Melanopsin (Opn4) positive cells in the cat retina are randomly distributed across the ganglion cell layer

2005 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
MA'AYAN SEMO ◽  
MARTA MUÑOZ LLAMOSAS ◽  
RUSSELL G. FOSTER ◽  
GLEN JEFFERY
Keyword(s):  
Ganglion Cell ◽  
Ganglion Cell Layer ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Cell Layer ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Suprachiasmatic Nuclei ◽  
Rare Type ◽  
Cat Retina

A rare type of rodent retinal ganglion cell expresses melanopsin (Opn4), the majority of which project to the suprachiasmatic nuclei. Many of these cells are directly light sensitive and appear to regulate the circadian system in the absence of rod and cone photoreceptors. However, the rodent retina contains no overt regions of specialization, and the different ganglion cell types are hard to distinguish. Consequently, attempts to distinguish the distribution of melanopsin ganglion cells in relation to regions of retinal specialization or subtype have proved problematic. Retinal cells with a common function tend to be regularly distributed. In this study, we isolate cat melanopsin and label melanopsin expressing cells usingin situhybridization. The labelled cells were all confined to the ganglion cell layer, their density was low, and their distribution was random. Melanopsin containing cells showed no clear center-to-periphery gradient in their distribution and were comprised of a relatively uniform cellular population.

Enkephalin-immunoreactive ganglion cells in the pigeon retina

1992 ◽  
Vol 9 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 389-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz R. G. Britto ◽  
Dȃnia E. Hamassaki-Britto
Keyword(s):  
Ganglion Cell ◽  
Retinal Ganglion Cells ◽  
Optic Tectum ◽  
Ganglion Cell Layer ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Cell Layer ◽  
Neural Retina ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Complete Elimination ◽  
Pigeon Retina

AbstractA small number of enkephalin-like immunoreactive cells were observed in the ganglion cell layer of the pigeon retina. Many of these neurons were identified as ganglion cells, since they were retrogradely labeled after injections of fluorescent latex microspheres in the contralateral optic tectum. These ganglion cells were mainly distributed in the inferior retina, and their soma sizes ranged from 12–26 μm in the largest axis. The enkephalin-containing ganglion cells appear to represent only a very small percentage of the ganglion cells projecting to the optic tectum (less than 0.1%). Two to 7 weeks after removal of the neural retina, there was an almost complete elimination of an enkephalin-like immunoreactive plexus in layer 3 of the contralateral, rostrodorsal optic tectum. These data provide evidence for the existence of a population of enkephalinergic retinal ganglion cells with projections to the optic tectum.

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the ground squirrel retina: Localization of the β4 subunit by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization

1994 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 569-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz R. G. Britto ◽  
Scott W. Rogers ◽  
Dânia E. Hamassaki-Britto ◽  
Robert M. Duvoisin
Keyword(s):  
Ganglion Cell ◽  
Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors ◽  
Ground Squirrel ◽  
Ganglion Cell Layer ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Cell Layer ◽  
Amacrine Cells ◽  
Inner Nuclear Layer ◽  
Nachr Subunit

AbstractImmunohistochemical and in situ hybridization techniques were used to localize the β4 subunit of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the ground squirrel retina. The β4 nAChR subunit was detected in both transverse and horizontal sections of the retina using a subunit-specific antiserum and the avidin-biotin complex technique. Two bands of labeled processes were seen in the inner plexiform layer, corresponding approximately to the laminae where the cholinergic cells arborize. Labeled cells were found in the ganglion cell layer and the inner third of the inner nuclear layer. The cells in the ganglion cell layer were medium- to large-sized and were frequently observed to give rise to axon-like processes. Most of the labeled neurons in the inner nuclear layer were small presumptive amacrine cells, but a few medium-to-large cells were also labeled. These could constitute a different class of amacrine cells or displaced ganglion cells. The latter possibility is supported by the existence of nAChR-containing displaced ganglion cells in the avian retina. In situ hybridization with a 35S-labeled cRNA probe revealed the expression of mRNA coding for the nAChR β4 subunit in the ganglion cell layer and the inner third of the inner nuclear layer. This finding confirmed the immunohistochemical data of the cellular localization of β4 nAChR subunit.These results indicate that the β4 nAChR subunit is expressed by specific subtypes of neurons on the ground squirrel retina. As the expression of that particular nAChR subunit appears to be very limited in the brain, the present data suggest that the retina might represent a useful model to study the function of nAChRs containing the β4 subunit.

The number, morphology, and distribution of retinal ganglion cells and optic axons in the Australian lungfishNeoceratodus forsteri(Krefft 1870)

2006 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 257-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
HELENA J. BAILES ◽  
ANN E.O. TREZISE ◽  
SHAUN P. COLLIN
Keyword(s):  
Optic Nerve ◽  
Ganglion Cell ◽  
Retinal Ganglion Cells ◽  
Ganglion Cell Layer ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Cell Layer ◽  
Amacrine Cells ◽  
Resolving Power ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Retrograde Labelling

Australian lungfishNeoceratodus forsterimay be the closest living relative to the first tetrapods and yet little is known about their retinal ganglion cells. This study reveals that lungfish possess a heterogeneous population of ganglion cells distributed in a horizontal streak across the retinal meridian, which is formed early in development and maintained through to adult stages. The number and complement of both ganglion cells and a population of putative amacrine cells within the ganglion cell layer are examined using retrograde labelling from the optic nerve and transmission electron-microscopic analysis of axons within the optic nerve. At least four types of retinal ganglion cells are present and lie predominantly within a thin ganglion cell layer, although two subpopulations are identified, one within the inner plexiform and the other within the inner nuclear layer. A subpopulation of retinal ganglion cells comprising up to 7% of the total population are significantly larger (>400 μm2) and are characterized as giant or alpha-like cells. Up to 44% of cells within the retinal ganglion cell layer represent a population of presumed amacrine cells. The optic nerve is heavily fasciculated and the proportion of myelinated axons increases with body length from 17% in subadults to 74% in adults. Spatial resolving power, based on ganglion cell spacing, is low (1.6–1.9 cycles deg−1,n= 2) and does not significantly increase with growth. This represents the first detailed study of retinal ganglion cells in sarcopterygian fish, and reveals that, despite variation amongst animal groups, trends in ganglion cell density distribution and characteristics of cell types were defined early in vertebrate evolution.

The neurotensin-related hexapeptide LANT6 is found in retinal ganglion cells and in their central projections in pigeons

1992 ◽  
Vol 9 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 217-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anton Reiner
Keyword(s):  
Ganglion Cell ◽  
Retinal Ganglion Cells ◽  
Ganglion Cell Layer ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Cell Layer ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Retinal Cells ◽  
Neuroactive Substance ◽  
Immunohistochemical Techniques ◽  
Immunohistochemical Studies

AbstractPrevious biochemical and immunohistochemical studies have shown that the neurotensin-related hexapeptide LANT6 is widespread and abundant in the avian nervous system. In the present study, immunohistochemical techniques were used to show that LANT6 is present in numerous cells of the retinal ganglion cell layer in pigeons. Consistent with the possibility that these LANT6+ retinal cells might be retinal ganglion cells, it was found that (1) the distribution of LANT6+ fibers and terminals in the central retinal target areas matched the distribution of central retinal projections; (2) the LANT6+ fibers and terminals are eliminated from retinal target areas by transection of the contralateral optic nerve; and (3) LANT6+ retinal cells in the ganglion cell layer can be retrogradely labeled by injections of fluorogold in the tectum. These results suggest that LANT6 may be utilized as a neuroactive substance by the central terminals of numerous retinal ganglion cells in birds. Similar anatomical findings have been previously reported for members of several other vertebrate groups, giving rise to the possibility that LANT6 (or its homologues in nonavians) may be a phylogenetically ubiquitous neuroactive substance used by retinal ganglion cells.

The ganglion cell layer of the retina of the rat: a Golgi study

1979 ◽  
Vol 204 (1156) ◽  
pp. 363-375 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Ganglion Cell ◽  
Amacrine Cell ◽  
Ganglion Cell Layer ◽  
Cell Layer ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Field Size ◽  
Optic Disk ◽  
Golgi Study ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Cat Retina

In whole-mounts of Golgi stained rat retinae four cell types are described in the ganglion cell layer. Three of these cell types are considered to be analogous to the α, δ and γ cells described in the cat retina by Boycott & Wässle (1974). The fourth cell type is thought to be a displaced amacrine cell. All the cell types described are present in all parts of the retina. There is no evidence for an increase in dendritic field size with increasing distance from the optic disk.

Differential expression of glycine receptor subunits in the retina of the rat: A study using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization

1994 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 721-729 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. Greferath ◽  
J. H. Brandstätter ◽  
H. Wässle ◽  
J. Kirsch ◽  
J. Kuhse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ganglion Cell ◽  
Differential Expression ◽  
Ganglion Cell Layer ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Cell Layer ◽  
Glycine Receptor ◽  
Plexiform Layer ◽  
Inner Plexiform Layer ◽  
Subunit Mrna

AbstractImmunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were used to study the distribution of glycine receptor (GlyR) subunits and the GlyR-associated protein gephyrin in the rat retina. Monoclonal antibodies against the α and β subunits of the GlyR and gephyrin showed a strong punctate labeling pattern in the inner plexiform layer. Glycine receptor mRNAs were found in the inner nuclear layer and the ganglion cell layer. The α 1 subunit mRNA is predominantly present in the outer half of the INL and on some but not all ganglion cells. GlyR α2 subunit mRNA is predominantly present in the inner half of the INL and on nearly all cells in the ganglion cell layer. GlyR α3–, GlyR β-, and gephyrin-mRNAs are present in the entire INL and in cells in the ganglion cell layer. The differential expression of glycine receptor subunits indicates a functional diversity of glycine receptors in the retina.

scholarly journals Minimizing activation of overlying axons with epiretinal stimulation: The role of fiber orientation and electrode configuration

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Esler ◽  
Robert R. Kerr ◽  
Bahman Tahayori ◽  
David B. Grayden ◽  
Hamish Meffin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ganglion Cell ◽  
Nerve Fiber ◽  
Retinal Ganglion Cells ◽  
Ganglion Cell Layer ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Cell Layer ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Fiber Layer ◽  
Nerve Fiber Layer ◽  
Stimulation Of

ABSTRACTObjective. Currently, a challenge in electrical stimulation of the retina is to excite only the cells lying directly under the electrode in the ganglion cell layer, while avoiding excitation of the axons that pass over the surface of the retina in the nerve fiber layer. Since these passing fibers may originate from distant regions of the ganglion cell layer. Stimulation of both target retinal ganglion cells and overlying axons results in irregular visual percepts, significantly limiting perceptual efficacy. This research explores how differences in fiber orientation between the nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell layer leads to differences in the activation of the axon initial segment and axons of passage. Approach. Axons of passage of retinal ganglion cells in the nerve fiber layer are characterized by a narrow distribution of fiber orientations, causing highly anisotropic spread of applied current. In contrast, proximal axons in the ganglion cell layer have a wider distribution of orientations. A four-layer computational model of epiretinal extracellular stimulation that captures the effect of neurite orientation in anisotropic tissue has been developed using a modified version of the standard volume conductor model, known as the cellular composite model. Simulations are conducted to investigate the interaction of neural tissue orientation, stimulating electrode configuration, and stimulation pulse duration and amplitude. Main results. The dependence of fiber activation on the anisotropic nature of the nerve fiber layer is first established. Via a comprehensive search of key parameters, our model shows that the simultaneous stimulation with multiple electrodes aligned with the nerve fiber layer can be used to achieve selective activation of axon initial segments rather than passing fibers. This result can be achieved with only a slight increase in total stimulus current and modest increases in the spread of activation in the ganglion cell layer, and is shown to extend to the general case of arbitrary electrode array positioning and arbitrary target neural volume. Significance. These results elucidate a strategy for more targeted stimulation of retinal ganglion cells with experimentally-relevant multi-electrode geometries and readily achievable stimulation requirements.

Atrophy of Retinal Ganglion Cells after Removal of Striate Cortex in a Rhesus Monkey

Perception ◽  
1974 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Cowey
Keyword(s):  
Rhesus Monkey ◽  
Ganglion Cell ◽  
Retinal Ganglion Cells ◽  
Striate Cortex ◽  
Ganglion Cell Layer ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Cell Layer ◽  
Peripheral Retina ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Normal Monkey

The retinal ganglion cells were counted in a rhesus monkey from which the striate cortex had been removed 8 years earlier, and the results compared with those obtained previously with the eyes of normal monkeys. About 80% of the ganglion cells within 10 degrees of the fovea were missing. Peripherally their density was unaffected. The ganglion cell layer of the entire retina resembled the peripheral retina of a normal monkey, and this result helps to explain the remarkable nature of the animal's vision.

scholarly journals Article Commentary: Retinal Ganglion Cell Loss in Diabetes Associated with Elevated Homocysteine

2009 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. OED.S3417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth S. Shindler
Keyword(s):  
Ganglion Cell ◽  
Retinal Ganglion Cell ◽  
Ganglion Cell Layer ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Cell Layer ◽  
Cell Loss ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Heterozygous Deletion ◽  
Retinal Pathology

A number of studies have suggested that homocysteine may be a contributing factor to development of retinopathy in diabetic patients based on observed correlations between elevated homocysteine levels and the presence of retinopathy. The significance of such a correlation remains to be determined, and potential mechanisms by which homocysteine might induce retinopathy have not been well characterized. Ganapathy and colleagues 1 used mutant mice that have endogenously elevated homocysteine levels due to heterozygous deletion of the cystathionine-β-synthase gene to examine changes in retinal pathology following induction of diabetes. Their finding that elevated homocysteine levels hastens loss of cells in the retinal ganglion cell layer suggests that toxicity to ganglion cells may warrant further investigation as a potential mechanism of homocysteine enhanced susceptibility to diabetic retinopathy.

The autoregulation of retinal ganglion cell number

Development ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 128 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Gonzalez-Hoyuela ◽  
J.A. Barbas ◽  
A. Rodriguez-Tebar
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Chick Embryo ◽  
Ganglion Cell ◽  
Ganglion Cell Layer ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Cell Layer ◽  
Cell Number ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Cell Ablation ◽  
Ganglion Cell Death

The development of the nervous system is dependent on a complex set of signals whose precise co-ordination ensures that the correct number of neurones are generated. This regulation is achieved through a variety of cues that influence both the generation and the maintenance of neurones during development. We show that in the chick embryo, stratified retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are themselves responsible for providing the signals that control the number of RGCs that are generated, both by inhibiting the generation of new ganglion cells and by killing incoming migratory ganglion cells. Selective toxicological ablation of RGCs in the chick embryo resulted in the achronic generation of ganglion cells, which eventually led to the repopulation of the ganglion cell layer and a large decrease in the physiological cell death affecting postmitotic migratory neurones. Interestingly, the application of exogenous NGF reversed the effects of ganglion cell ablation on ganglion cell death. Because the only source of NGF in the retina is that produced by the stratified ganglion cells, we infer that these differentiated neurones regulate their own cell number by secreting NGF, a neurotrophin that has previously been shown to be responsible for the death of migrating ganglion cells.

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