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Immunohistochemical and Calcium Imaging Methods in Wholemount Rat Retina
Published on: October 13, 2014
Developmental expression of GLUT2 in the rat retina
T Watanabe1, S Nagamatsu, S Matsushima
1Department of Clinical Pathology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan. ur9t-wtnb@asahi-net.or.jp
Cell and Tissue Research
|November 26, 1999
Summary
Glucose transporter type 2 (GLUT2) appears early in rat retinal development. This facilitated-diffusion transporter is crucial for glucose transport from the choroid circulation to the developing retina.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- GLUT2 is a key glucose transporter in systemic blood glucose regulation.
- Previous studies identified GLUT2 at the apical ends of Müller cells in the adult rat retina.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental expression and potential role of GLUT2 in the rat retina.
- To elucidate the ontogeny of GLUT2 in the context of retinal development.
Main Methods:
- Immunofluorescence staining using a GLUT2-specific antibody.
- Examination of retinal tissue at various embryonic and neonatal stages (E14 onwards).
Main Results:
- GLUT2 expression was first detected at embryonic day 14 (E14).
- Early staining appeared along the inner and outer layers of the optic cup, persisting through development.
- Post-photoreceptor development, GLUT2 localized between the outer nuclear and photoreceptor layers.
- GLUT2 appearance coincided with the formation of choriocapillaries.
Conclusions:
- GLUT2 expression in the developing retina begins early in embryogenesis.
- The localization and timing suggest GLUT2 facilitates glucose transport from choroidal circulation.
- GLUT2 plays a role in supplying glucose to the developing retina from early stages.
