Localization of iodopsin in the chick retina during in vivo and in vitro cone differentiation

Using highly specific antibodies against a chick red-sensitive cone pigment, iodopsin, we investigated the localization of iodopsin in the developing and mature chick retina. The chick retina contains several different photoreceptor types, including a rod, a double cone with a principal and accessory cone, and four different types of single cones. Immunocytochemical observations revealed that outer segments (OS) of one of the single cones (type 1) and both cells of the double cone were strongly immunoreactive to anti-iodopsin antibodies. The Golgi regions and small vesicular structures in the inner segments (IS) of these cells also were intensely stained, indicating a continuous synthesis of iodopsin and its addition to the newly formed cone OS. In the differentiating cones of the developing but immature chick retina, iodopsin immunoreactivity was found at the plasma membranes of both the IS and the terminals (pedicles). This suggests that unidirectional transport of iodopsin to the outer segment may be established during cone differentiation. Immunostaining in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) produced two bands, suggesting that the pedicles of the double cones and type 1 single cones terminate at different positions in this layer. Application of the antibodies to a cell culture system of the chick retina revealed that cells immunoreactive to anti-iodopsin differ slightly in morphology from those reactive with anti-rhodopsin. Since antibodies to iodopsin and rhodopsin stained different types of photoreceptors in the intact chick retina, it will be possible to analyze cell lineage of rods and cones in vitro by use of these antibodies.