Prenatal development of retina in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The development of retina in Indian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) has not been reported previously. The aim of the present study was therefore to report the major landmarks and the time course in the development of retina. Serial histological sections of Indian buffalo embryos and foetuses were used as group1 (<20.0 cm CVRL), group2 (>20.0 but <40.0 cm CVRL) and group3 (>40.0 cm CVRL). Age estimation was made on the basis of crown vertebral‐rump length (CVRL), which ranged between 36 and 286 days (1.6–94.0 cm). The retina in Indian buffalo was developed in a similar manner to that of the other mammals with the principal differences in the time of occurrence of various layers of this nervous tunic. In 36 days (1.6 cm stage), the foetal retina was composed of pigmented layer and the layer of neuroblasts. Differentiation of layers was first observed in 47 days (4.0 cm CVRL) which became prominent in 52 days (5.1 cm stage). At 120 days (20.5 cm stage), the differentiation of inner plexiform layer and inner nuclear layer was evident. At 143 days (31.0 cm) foetal age, the faint line in neuroblastic layer was the first evidence of the future outer plexiform layer. In foetuses of group III, the retina was comprised of all 10 layers (eight cell layers and two membranes) viz. pigmented epithelium, layer of rods and cones, outer limiting membrane, outer nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, inner plexiform layer, ganglion cell layer, layer of nerve fibres and the inner limiting membrane.     

Immunohistochemical study of caveolin-1 and -2 in the rat retina

The expression of caveolin-1 and -2 in the retina was examined; Western blot analysis showed that both were present. Immunohistochemistry indicated that caveolin-1 was expressed in the majority of retinal layers, including the ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer, outer plexiform layer, and in the vascular endothelial cells of the retina. Caveolin-2 was primarily immunostained in the vessels, but in a few other elements as well. This is the first demonstration of caveolin differential expression in the retina of rats, and suggests that caveolin plays an important role in signal transduction in glial cells and neuronal cells.     

Abnormal prion accumulation associated with retinal pathology in experimentally inoculated scrapie-affected sheep

The purpose of this study was to characterize the patterns of PrP(Sc) immunoreactivity in the retinae of scrapie-affected sheep and to determine the extent of retinal pathology as indicated by glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity (GFAP-IR) of Müller glia. Sections from the retina of 13 experimentally inoculated scrapie-affected and 2 negative control sheep were examined with immunohistochemical staining for PrP(Sc), GFAP, and PrP(Sc)/GFAP double staining. GFAP-IR of Müller glia is suggestive of retinal pathology in the absence of morphologic abnormality detected by light microscopy. Sheep with the least amount of PrP(Sc) in the retina have multifocal punctate aggregates of prion staining in the outer half of the inner plexiform layer and rarely in the outer plexiform layer. In these retinae, GFAP-IR is not localized with prion accumulation, but rather is present in moderate numbers of Müller glia throughout the sections of retina examined. The majority of sheep with retinal accumulation of PrP(Sc) have intense, diffuse PrP(Sc) staining in both plexiform layers, with immunoreactivity in the cytoplasm of multiple ganglion cells and lesser amounts in the optic fiber layer and between nuclei in nuclear layers. This intense PrP(Sc) immunoreactivity is associated with diffuse, intense GFAP-IR that extends from the inner limiting membrane to the outer limiting membrane. This is the first report of a prion disease in a natural host that describes the accumulation of PrP(Sc) in retina associated with retinal pathology in the absence of overt morphologic changes indicative of retinal degeneration.     

Ultrastructural ocular lesions of 6-aminonicotinamide toxicosis in rabbits

6-Aminonicotinamide, given by intraperitoneal injection to male and female Dutch belted rabbits, produced swelling and vacuolation of ciliary and iridal epithelium plus vacuolation of the retinal pigment epithelial and outer plexiform layers of the retina. By transmission electron microscopy, inner and outer ciliary epithelial cells and inner iridal epithelial cells contained numerous coalescing, membrane-bound vacuoles of the cytocavitary network. These vacuoles were viewed as numerous interconnecting, intracytoplasmic cavities in scanning electron micrographs. Swelling of vacuolated epithelial cells and the presence of fibrin and proteinaceous fluid in the ciliary stroma resulted in thickening of the anterior ciliary processes with the formation of surface alterations detectable by scanning electron microscopy. In transmission electron micrographs the vacuoles in the retinal pigment epithelium were large, electron-lucent spaces and the vacuoles in the outer plexiform layer of the retina appeared to be intracytoplasmic spaces in axons of photoreceptor cells. Distention of cytocavitary structures has been reported in glial cells of animals given 6-aminonicotinamide and this change was apparently due to alterations in ion and water movement across cellular membranes that resulted in intracellular edema.     

Cytologic appearance of retinal cells included in a fine‐needle aspirate of a meningioma around the optic nerve of a dog

A 6‐year‐old Wirehair Dachshund had a meningioma around the optic nerve that caused exophthalmos. A benign mesenchymal tumor was suspected based on the cytologic pattern of a fine‐needle aspirate, and a meningioma was diagnosed by histopathologic examination. In addition to the meningioma cells, the cytologic smears included groups of cells from apparently 4 layers of normal retina. In particular, uniform rod‐shaped structures in the cytologic sample could suggest rod‐shaped bacteria, but these structures were identified as cylindrical outer segments of photoreceptor rod cells. Other retinal structures recognized included pigmented epithelial layer cells with their uniquely formed pigment granules, the characteristic bi‐lobed, cleaved nuclei from the outer nuclear layer, and nerve tissue likely from the outer plexiform layer of the retina.     

Outer retinal degeneration in two closely related Goeldi's monkeys (Callimico goeldii)

This case report comprises studies of four Goeldi's monkeys (Callimico goeldii) from the same enclosure. Globe samples from two related C goeldii (the female C goeldii and her male offspring) were available for a histopathological evaluation. Both cases presented histopathologically evident outer retinal degeneration with differences in severity. There was marked outer retinal atrophy characterized by loss of the outer and inner photoreceptor segments, and depletion of the outer retinal nuclear layer. Furthermore, we report a reduction in the thickness of the outer retinal plexiform, inner retinal nuclear layer, and inner retinal plexiform layer in these C goeldii monkeys. To the authors’ knowledge, these findings have not yet been reported in wild‐ or captive‐bred population of C goeldii.     

Angiostatin and integrin alphavbeta3 in the feline, bovine, canine, equine, porcine and murine retina and cornea

PURPOSE: Angiogenesis is tightly controlled in the ocular tissues of domestic animals but its mechanisms are not fully understood. This is largely because of insufficient data on the expression of molecules that impact angiogenesis. Because angiostatin and one of its receptors integrin alphavbeta3 inhibit and promote angiogenesis, respectively, we hypothesized that the normal retina and cornea of domestic animals would express angiostatin but not integrin alphavbeta3. PROCEDURE: Normal eyes of the cat, cow, dog, horse, pig and rat were evaluated for angiostatin and integrin alphavbeta3 by light and electron immunocytochemistry and estern blots. RESULTS: Angiostatin was detected in the corneal epithelium of the cat, dog, horse, pig and rat, but was not found in cow corneal epithelium. Angiostatin was localized in the nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, inner and outer plexiform layers, and the photoreceptor layer of the cat, cow, dog and rat. Horse and pig retinas showed additional staining in the matrix of the inner nuclear layer. Immunogold electron microscopy further confirmed angiostatin in cat retina. Western blots showed angiostatin in corneal and retinal homogenates. Integrin alphavbeta3 was absent in cornea and retina of all the species studied. CONCLUSION: These data show that angiostatin, an inhibitor of angiogenesis, is present while integrin alphavbeta3, which promotes angiogenesis, is absent in normal cornea and retina of the domestic animals in this study with the exception being angiostatin absence in cow corneal epithelium. Therefore, angiostatin may contribute to the anti-angiogenic environment in the normal domestic animal eye while its absence in the cow may contribute to greater propensity for corneal vascularization. Because integrin alphavbeta3 is one of the receptors for angiostatin, its absence may prevent angiostatin from killing normal retinal and corneal cells.     

Defining cytochemical markers for different cell types in the equine retina

The major cell types in the mammalian retina are photoreceptors, amacrine, horizontal, bipolar, ganglion and Mueller glial cells. Most of the specific cell types are conserved, but cytochemical markers vary between species. The aim of our study was to characterize cytochemically distinctive markers for different cell types in the equine retina. We were able to define specific markers for equine Mueller glial cells and photoreceptor cells. Furthermore, we describe markers for large ganglion cells, horizontal and amacrine cells and a subpopulation of bipolar cells. Additionally, discrimination between the inner plexiform layer and nerve fibre layer can be achieved by expression of syntaxin and neurofilament 200 respectively.     

Cataracts and optic nerve hypoplasia in turkey poults

Newly hatched commercial turkey poults culled because of grossly visible cataracts were studied. A total of 43 affected and 23 unaffected control poults at various ages were necropsied, and the ocular changes in affected poults were compared with those of aged-matched controls. Affected poults had consistent cataracts coupled with a marked depletion in retinal inner plexiform, ganglion cell, and optic nerve fiber layers, with a resultant reduction in the size of the optic nerves. Lesions were seen in 1-day-old poults. Lens changes included microphakia and lens fiber degeneration throughout the lens, with nuclear liquefaction. The depletion in the numbers of retinal ganglion cells did not appear to progress over several weeks time. The ganglion cell depletion was not uniform within the retina. The cause for these ocular changes is unknown.     

An immunohistochemical study of protein kinase C in the bovine retina

The expression of protein kinase C (PKC) was studied in the bovine retina by immunohistochemical analysis. Western blot analysis showed that PKC isoforms, including alpha, betaI, delta and theta, were detected in the bovine retina. By immunohistochemistry, both PKC alpha and betaI were expressed in all retinal layers, with an intense localization of both PKC alpha and betaI detected in bipolar cells in the inner nuclear cell layer and in some glial cells in ganglion cell layers. The immunoreactivity of both PKC delta and theta was quite weak in the retinal layers, compared with that of PKC alpha and betaI. These findings suggest that both conventional and novel PKCs are differentially expressed in the bovine retina.     

Early Morphological Differentiation of the Bipolar Neurons in the Chick Retina A Golgi Analysis

We report a histogenetic study of the bipolar cells of the chick embryo retina between days 5 and 9, using the Golgi technique. On day 8, at the level of the developing outer plexiform layer, small delicate spines appear on the outer processes of the bipolar cells, which represents the commencement of their dendritic ramification. At a later staige in development che detachment of Landolt's club from the outer limiting membrane is observed in some cells The inner ramifications of the bipolar cell, at the inner plexiform layer, appear later than those of the outer process.     

Ocular lesions of 6-aminonicotinamide toxicosis in rabbits

6-Aminonicotinamide, an antimetabolite of nicotinamide, given by intraperitoneal injection produced diarrhea, ascending paresis/paralysis, death, and bilateral ocular alterations in both sexes of New Zealand white and Dutch belted rabbits. Ocular vascular lesions consisted of iridal congestion with iridal hemorrhage and associated acute iritis and aqueous flare in some rabbits. Cytoplasmic swelling, vacuolation, and loss of staining affinity that represented hydropic change were present in both layers of ciliary epithelium and the inner layer of iridal epithelium. Cells in the outer layer of the iridal processes and the ciliary ridge, were most severely affected. Vacuoles were also present in the retinal pigment epithelium and scattered throughout the outer plexiform layer of the retina with a few in the inner and outer nuclear layers. Ocular alterations were prevented by simultaneous administration of nicotinamide and their development appeared related to nicotinamide deficiency. No ocular alterations were caused by nicotinamide administration alone.     

Photoreceptor cell dysplasia in two Tippler pigeons

Two 12-week-old Tippler pigeons were evaluated for ocular abnormalities associated with congenital blindness. The pigeons were emaciated and blind. Biomicroscopy and direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy findings of the Tippler pigeons were normal with the exception of partially dilated pupils at rest. Scotopic (blue stimuli) and photopic monocular electroretinograms were extinguished in the blind Tippler pigeons. Histological and electron microscopy studies revealed reduced numbers of rods and cones, and an absence of the double cone complex. The photoreceptor cells' outer segments were absent, and the inner segments were short and broad. The number of cell nuclei in the outer and inner nuclear layers was decreased, and the internal and external plexiform layers were reduced in width. Photoreceptor cell endfeet with developing synaptic ribbons were present in the external plexiform layer. Inflammatory cell and subretinal debris was not seen. The electroretinographic, histopathological, and ultrastructural findings of the blind Tippler pigeons support the diagnosis of a photoreceptor cell dysplasia.     

鲫鱼和斑马鱼视网膜结构的比较组织学研究

为探讨鲫鱼(Carassius auratus)和斑马鱼(Brachydanio rerio)视网膜组织结构与其生活环境的适应关系,对这2种鱼视网膜各层厚度、3个核层的胞核层数进行了测量,并对数据进行了统计分析。结果表明:鲫鱼和斑马鱼视网膜均由4层细胞构成,在光镜下共分为10层。鲫鱼视网膜平均厚度196.57μm,斑马鱼视网膜平均厚度167.57μm。斑马鱼的视网膜内核层的细胞数目比外核层多,而鲫鱼的视网膜外核层细胞数目多于内核层数目。鲫鱼和斑马鱼这2种鱼类视网膜结构的差异,与其各自的生活环境相适应。     

Comparative studies on the distribution of glutamate transporters in the retinae of the Mongolian gerbil and the rat

Glutamate is the major excitatory amino acid transmitter in vertebrate retinae. Glutamate transporters therefore play an important role in the precise control of glutamate concentration in the synaptic cleft by regulating extracellular glutamate concentration. In the present study, we performed an analysis of the expressions of three glutamate transporters in gerbil retina using immunohistochemistry. In the gerbil retina, excitatory amino acid carrier 1 and glutamate transporter 1 immunoreactivity was predominant in the ganglion cells but not amacrine or bipolar cells. Glutamate/aspartate transporter (GLAST) immunoreactivity was observed in the radial gliocytes of which the dense network of fine processes was localized in the inner and outer plexiform layers. GLAST immunoreactivity was also detected in astrocytes in the nerve fibre layer. These results demonstrate that three glutamate transporters show specific distributions in the gerbil retina and suggest that the glutamate re-uptake system in the gerbil retina may be different from that of the rat.     

N -ethyl- N -nitrosourea induces retinal photoreceptor damage in adult rats

Seven-week-old male Lewis rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) (100, 200, 400 or 600 mg/kg), and retinal damage was evaluated 7 days after the treatment. Sequential morphological features of the retina and retinal DNA damage, as determined by a TUNEL assay and phospho-histone H2A.X (γ-H2AX), were analyzed 3, 6, 12, 24 and 72 hr, 7 days, and/or 30 days after 400 mg/kg ENU treatment. Activation of the nuclear enzyme poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) was analyzed immunohistochemically by poly (ADP-ribose) (PAR) expression in response to DNA damage of the retina. All rats that received ≥ 400 mg/kg of ENU developed retinal degeneration characterized by the loss of photoreceptor cells in both the central and peripheral retina within 7 days. In the 400 mg/kg ENU-treated rats, TUNEL-positive signals were only located in the photoreceptor cells and peaked 24 hr after ENU treatment. The γ-H2AX signals in inner retinal cells appeared at 24 hr and peaked at 72 hr after ENU treatment, and the PAR signals selectively located in the photoreceptor cell nuclei appeared at 12 hr and peaked at 24 hr after ENU treatment. However, degeneration was restricted to photoreceptor cells, and no degenerative changes in inner retinal cells were seen at any time points. Retinal thickness and the photoreceptor cell ratio in the central and peripheral retina were significantly decreased, and the retinal damage ratio was significantly increased 7 days after ENU treatment. In conclusion, ENU induced retinal degeneration in adult rats that was characterized by photoreceptor cell apoptosis through PARP activity.     

羊驼视网膜组织学结构

用光镜观察了羊驼视网膜的组织学结构,以及3级神经元的细胞胞核层数及胞核特点。结果表明：羊驼视网膜结构与昼行性的哺乳动物的视网膜结构相似,但米勒细胞较明显、水平细胞为一层、内网层细胞很厚等形成了羊驼视网膜结构的特性,显示了羊驼视网膜结构和机能与其行为学特性的一致性。     

Distribution of red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) antigens in nervous and non-nervous organs of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) during the course of an experimental challenge

The distribution of red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) antigens was examined by immunohistochemistry in the nervous and non-nervous organs of juvenile European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) during the course of an intramuscular infection. Histological changes resulting from the infection were evaluated from 3 days to 2 months post-infection. The specific antibody response was also studied 2 months post-challenge. Viral proteins were present throughout the experimental period in the retina (inner nuclear layer, ganglion layer, outer limiting membrane, and outer plexiform layer), brain (cerebellum and tectum opticum), and liver (hepatocytes and endothelial cells). These proteins were also observed in the renal tubular cells, white pulp of spleen, and in fibroblasts and cartilage of caudal fin. This is the first report of RGNNV proteins appearing in these organs, where the immunostaining was only detected at certain sampling times after the onset of mortality. Brain and retina of virus-exposed fish showed high levels of vacuolation, while accumulation of fat vacuoles was observed in the liver. RGNNV infection also induced a specific antibody response as measured by an ELISA. In summary, this is the first study demonstrating the presence of viral proteins in cells of caudal fin, kidney and spleen of European seabass.     

硼元素对大鼠淋巴结和视网膜组织结构的影响

为了研究硼元素对大鼠淋巴结和视网膜组织结构的影响,试验选用断乳(21 d±2 d)清洁级SD大鼠60只,适应性饲养1周后,随机分为对照组和试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ组,各组分别通过饮水添加0、40、80、160、320和640 mg/L硼,试验期60 d。结果显示,与对照组相比,试验Ⅰ和Ⅱ组大鼠淋巴结皮质内淋巴小结数量增多,体积增大,淋巴细胞密集,副皮质区增厚,髓质内髓索明显增粗;视网膜组织结构发育良好,节细胞层、内核层和外核层细胞数量有所增多。试验Ⅲ组大鼠淋巴结皮质内淋巴小结减少,体积变小,副皮质区变薄,淋巴细胞排列较为疏松;视网膜组织结构出现轻微损伤,内核层变薄,节细胞层细胞数量排列疏松,数量减少。试验Ⅳ和Ⅴ组大鼠淋巴结皮质内淋巴小结体积显著减小,生发中心不明显甚至消失,淋巴细胞明显减少,副皮质区变薄,髓索变细;视网膜节细胞层变薄,数量减少,部分细胞出现空泡,内核层和外核层细胞排列疏松。说明饮水添加40~80 mg/L硼对大鼠淋巴结和视网膜组织结构发育具有一定的促进作用,而添加320~640 mg/L硼则对大鼠淋巴结和视网膜组织结构产生明显的损伤作用。     

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) assessment of the healthy female canine retina and optic nerve

Objective To provide normative data for canine whole retinal thickness (WRT), nerve fiber layer thickness (NFL), photoreceptor layer thickness (PR), and outer nuclear layer thickness (ONL) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Animal studied: Twelve healthy adult intact female beagles. Procedure Horizontal volume scans through the area dorso‐temporal from the optic nerve (superior retina), and the area ventro‐temporal from the optic nerve (inferior retina) were used to evaluate the thickness of retinal NFL, PR, ONL, and WRT. Peripapillary circular scans were used to evaluate NFL thickness. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the thickness of the individual layers between the superior and inferior retina (paired t‐test). One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the thickness of peripapillary NFL between the superior, inferior, temporal and nasal quadrants of the circle scan. Results The WRT, PR, and NFL thickness were greater in the superior than in the inferior retina (198.7 ± 9.6 μm vs. 164.4 ± 6.4 μm, P < 0.0001; 95.5 ± 6.5 μm vs. 78.8 ± 7.4 μm, P < 0.0001; and 26.4 ± 1.6 μm vs. 25.0 ± 1.9 μm, P = 0.0236, respectively). No statistical difference was found between the ONL thickness of the superior and inferior retina (50.1 ± 6.4 μm vs. 44.3 ± 3.6, P = 0.0578). Peripapillary NFL thickness showed a similar tendency as the linear scans, with the superior quadrant having the greatest thickness (91.26 ± 7.0 μm) and the inferior quadrant being the thinnest (76.42 ± 9.2 μm) (P < 0.001). Conclusions Results of our in vivo studies showed significant differences between thickness values for the superior (tapetal) and inferior (nontapetal) retinal regions.