Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To examine RhoA, a protein known to be pivotal in neuronal development and axonal growth, expression in developing and adult rat retinas immunohistochemically. Methods: Developing rat retinas were collected on postnatal days 5, 10, 15, and 20. Adult rat (45–55 day old) retinas were also obtained. These samples were processed, embedded in paraffin, sectioned, immunolabeled with anti–RhoA, and detected with DAB. Double–labeling of RhoA and various retinal cell markers were also performed. Results: There was significant immunoreactivity of RhoA in multiples layers of the retina throughout the developmental stages with noticeable transient elevated levels in the retinal ganglion cell layer in days 10 and 15 as compared to adult rat retinas. In the adult rat retina, significant immunoreactivity was noted in the photoreceptor layer, and the inner nuclear layer with apparent horizontal cell and Muller cell labeling. Using double immunoflourescence with known retinal cell markers, there was some colocalization of RhoA with vimentin, a known retinal Muller cell marker. Conclusions: RhoA probably has an important and dynamic role in the development and maintenance of functions in developing and mature mammalian retinas.
Keywords: retinal development • immunohistochemistry • retina