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PDGF and its receptors in the developing rodent retina and optic nerve
H S Mudhar1, R A Pollock, C Wang
1Department of Biology, University College London, UK.
Abstract:
We have used in situ hybridization to visualize cells in the developing rat retina and optic nerve that express mRNAs encoding the A and B chains of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-A and PDGF-B), and the alpha and beta subunits of the PDGF receptor (PDGF-alpha R and PDGF-beta R). We have also visualized PDGF-A protein in these tissues by immunohistochemistry. In the retina, PDGF-A mRNA is present in pigment epithelial cells, ganglion neurons and a subset of amacrine neurons. PDGF-A transcripts accumulate in ganglion neurons during target innervation and in amacrine neurons around the time of eye opening, suggesting that PDGF-A expression in these cells may be regulated by target-derived signals or by electrical activity. In the mouse retina, PDGF-A immunoreactivity is present in the cell bodies, dendrites and proximal axons of ganglion neurons, and throughout the inner nuclear layer. PDGF-alpha R mRNA is expressed in the retina by astrocytes in the optic fibre layer and by a subset of cells in the inner nuclear layer that might be Müller glia or bipolar neurons. Taken together, our data suggest short-range paracrine interactions between PDGF-A and PDGF-alpha R, the ligand and its receptor being expressed in neighbouring layers of cells in the retina. In the optic nerve, PDGF-A immunoreactivity is present in astrocytes but apparently not in the retinal ganglion cell axons. PDGF-alpha R+ cells in the optic nerve first appear near the optic chiasm and subsequently spread to the retinal end of the nerve; these PDGF-alpha R+ cells are probably oligodendrocyte precursors (Pringle et al., 1992). RNA transcripts encoding PDGF-B and PDGF-beta R are expressed by cells of the hyaloid and mature vascular systems in the eye and optic nerve.
Insights
Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and its receptors are expressed in developing rat retina and optic nerve. These findings suggest localized PDGF signaling plays a role in neural development and cell interactions within the visual system.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is crucial for cell growth and differentiation.
- Understanding PDGF signaling in the developing visual system is essential for comprehending neural development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of PDGF-A, PDGF-B, PDGF-alpha R, and PDGF-beta R in the developing rat retina and optic nerve.
- To elucidate the potential roles of PDGF signaling in retinal and optic nerve development.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization was used to detect mRNA expression of PDGF subunits and receptors.
- Immunohistochemistry was employed to visualize PDGF-A protein distribution.
Main Results:
- PDGF-A mRNA and protein were found in retinal pigment epithelial cells, ganglion neurons, and amacrine neurons.
- PDGF-alpha R mRNA was localized to retinal astrocytes and cells in the inner nuclear layer (Müller glia or bipolar neurons).
- PDGF-B and PDGF-beta R transcripts were detected in vascular cells of the eye and optic nerve.
Conclusions:
- PDGF-A and PDGF-alpha R exhibit complementary expression patterns in the retina, suggesting paracrine signaling.
- PDGF signaling is likely involved in the development and function of retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve oligodendrocytes.