Abstract
Purpose :
The neural connectivity between retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and various mesencephalon regions including lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) has been comprehensively described. The current anatomical knowledge, however, cannot fully explain the non-imaging function of RGCs. Advanced neural tracing tools are thus required to elaborate the network of RGC projection.
Methods :
In this study, we used CTB as the anterograde tracing marker via intraocular injection, coupled with immunofluorescence imaging, and found prominent efferent projection of RGCs on Kölliker-Fuse (KF) nucleus in contralateral mesencephalon. This connectivity was confirmed by CTB retrograde labelling via intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection on KF nucleus.
Results :
These sub-population of RGCs exhibit morphological features of ON-OFF type RGCs.
Conclusions :
The function of this newly discovered circuitry is currently unknown yet, but is proposed to be related with the potential effect of visual inputs on body vital signs such as respiratory rhythm, heart rate or blood pressure, as KF nucleus directly project to medullary regions.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2018 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Honolulu, Hawaii, April 29 - May 3, 2018.