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Nitric oxide synthase in tiger salamander retina
D E Kurenni1, G A Thurlow, R W Turner
1Neuroscience Research Group, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The Journal of Comparative Neurology
|October 23, 1995
Summary
Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is found in multiple retinal cell types in tiger salamanders. This suggests nitric oxide plays diverse roles in visual signal processing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) is a biological messenger synthesized by nitric oxide synthase (NOS).
- NO may modulate light transduction and signal transmission in the retina.
- Previous studies suggest NO's role in retinal function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the cell-specific intracellular localization of NOS in the tiger salamander retina.
- To investigate the distribution of NADPH-diaphorase activity, a marker for NOS.
Main Methods:
- Utilized NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry and NOS immunocytochemistry.
- Examined enzymatically isolated retinal cells from tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum).
Main Results:
- NADPH-diaphorase activity and NOS immunoreactivity were concentrated in the outer retina, including photoreceptor inner segments and outer nuclear layer.
- Activity was localized to Müller cells and putative bipolar cell Landolt clubs.
- NOS was also detected in other retinal layers and cells, including the inner plexiform layer.
Conclusions:
- Multiple retinal sites show potential for nitric oxide generation.
- NO likely plays diverse roles in processing visual information within the retina.