Immortalized retinal neurons used as immunogen for the generation of cell-specific antisera

We have recently described a class of immortalized neurons which were derived from retinal tumors induced in PNMT-SV40 transgenic mice (TgBri59)9. These neurons possess a differentiated neuronal phenotype which includes the elaboration of extensive neurite processes and the expression of markers specific for amacrine and horizontal neurons, as well as the expression of the neurofilament triplet proteins. As these 'RT-1' neurons are derived from a restricted set of retinal neurons, they represent an enriched source of immunogen for the production of cell-specific antisera. Therefore, we have used RT-1 cell cultures to generate polyclonal antisera in rabbits. Two of these antisera have been characterized in immunocytochemical and Western blotting experiments using normal mouse and rat tissues. The antisera recognize neurons in the inner nuclear layer and particularly in the ganglion cell layer in the normal retina and cells of the adrenal medulla. These data indicate that specific cell lines derived from transgenic animals provide a rich source of antigen for the production of cell-specific antibodies. These antibodies should prove valuable for studies of retinal development and function.