Topography of pig retinal ganglion cells

J Comp Neurol. 2005 Jun 13;486(4):361-72. doi: 10.1002/cne.20516.

Abstract

In the present work we analyzed the distribution of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the pig retina. RGCs were retrogradely labeled in vivo by injecting Fluoro-Gold into the optic nerve. RGC density and the distribution of RGCs in terms of soma size were analyzed. Different regions of the porcine retina were identified following analysis of the distribution of RGCs in terms of cell density and soma size: in the central retina, we found a high-density horizontal RGC band lying dorsal to the optic disc. Moreover, in this region, a high proportion of RCGs with small soma size was observed. From the central to the more peripheral retina, we observed a decrease in RGC density, together with a greater presence of RGCs with larger somas. The results of this study should prove to be useful as a foundation for future studies with the porcine retina as a model in ophthalmic research. The study also highlights the necessity to label the RGC population specifically with retrograde tracers in order to quantify precisely alterations in the cell population associated with experimental treatments.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Count
  • Cell Size
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Humans
  • Retina / cytology*
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / classification
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / cytology*
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / metabolism
  • Staining and Labeling / methods
  • Stilbamidines / metabolism
  • Swine
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • 2-hydroxy-4,4'-diamidinostilbene, methanesulfonate salt
  • Stilbamidines