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MT(1) melatonin receptor in the human retina: expression and localization
Judite Scher1, Ellen Wankiewicz, Gregory M Brown
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8 Canada.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|February 28, 2002
Summary
The MT(1) melatonin receptor is found in various human retinal neurons, including photoreceptors and dopaminergic cells. This discovery suggests melatonin plays a key role in human vision.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Melatonin's role in human vision is not fully understood due to limited knowledge of its cellular targets.
- Identifying melatonin receptors in the retina is crucial for understanding its visual functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and localization of the MT(1) melatonin receptor in the human retina.
- To determine the specific cell types in the human retina that express the MT(1) receptor.
Main Methods:
- Utilized reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect MT(1) and MT(2) transcripts in human retinal tissue.
- Employed immunocytochemistry with a specific anti-MT(1) antibody to identify receptor localization.
- Performed double immunolabeling with neuronal markers to pinpoint MT(1) expression in specific cell types.
Main Results:
- RT-PCR indicated comparable expression levels for both MT(1) and MT(2) transcripts.
- MT(1) immunoreactivity was observed in the inner nuclear layer (INL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), and photoreceptor inner segments (IS).
- MT(1) was found in dopaminergic neurons (69% of CA1, 63% of CA2), horizontal cells (18% in central retina), and rod photoreceptors.
Conclusions:
- The MT(1) melatonin receptor is expressed across multiple neuronal cell types within the human retina.
- These findings provide evidence for a significant role of melatonin and the MT(1) receptor subtype in human visual processes.