Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

A Novel Light Damage Paradigm for Use in Retinal Regeneration Studies in Adult Zebrafish
Published on: October 24, 2013
The impact of basic fibroblast growth factor on photoreceptor function and morphology
C Gargini1, M S Belfiore, S Bisti
1Istituto di Neurofisiologia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, Universitá di Pisa, Italy.
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) impacts photoreceptor function by enhancing light response but suppressing signal transmission to inner retinal cells. Upregulated bFGF may contribute to vision loss in photoreceptor dystrophies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) plays a role in cell growth and survival.
- Photoreceptor function is critical for vision.
- Dysregulation of growth factors can impact retinal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on photoreceptor function and morphology.
- To understand the role of bFGF in retinal signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- Assessed bFGF impact using two models: optic nerve section and direct vitreous injection in rats and cats.
- Evaluated retinal function via electroretinogram (ERG).
- Studied retinal morphology using DNA dyes, immunolabeling, and in situ hybridization.
Main Results:
- bFGF upregulation suppressed the ERG b-wave but enhanced the a-wave.
- Increased bFGF protein levels were observed in nuclear layers without changes in mRNA.
- Elevated levels of synaptophysin and cytochrome oxidase correlated with increased bFGF protein.
Conclusions:
- bFGF enhances photoreceptor light response but impairs signal transmission at the photoreceptor-bipolar synapse.
- Upregulated bFGF in human photoreceptor dystrophies may cause reversible vision loss.
- Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between bFGF's actions and its cytoprotective effects.
More Related Videos
10:02Large-Scale Purification of Porcine or Bovine Photoreceptor Outer Segments for Phagocytosis Assays on Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
Published on: December 12, 2014
10:24Regenerative Therapy by Suprachoroidal Cell Autograft in Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration: Preliminary In Vivo Report
Published on: February 12, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Fibroblasts
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
Anatomy of the Eyeball
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways