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Melatonin receptor RNA expression in Xenopus retina
A F Wiechmann1, L D Campbell, D M Defoe
1Departments of Cell Biology and Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Post Office Box 26901, Oklahoma City, OK 73190, USA.allan-weichmann@ouhsc.edu
Brain Research. Molecular Brain Research
|January 8, 1999
Summary
Melatonin receptors MEL1B and MEL1C mRNA are present in the Xenopus laevis neural retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). This expression persists in cultured RPE cells, suggesting melatonin
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Melatonin, a hormone synthesized in the retina, may regulate cyclic retinal functions.
- Melatonin's role in photoreceptor disc shedding and neurotransmitter modulation is suggested.
- Specific melatonin receptors are implicated in these retinal processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of melatonin receptor mRNA in Xenopus laevis neural retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).
- To determine if melatonin receptor subtypes MEL1A, 1B, and 1C are present in these ocular tissues.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of RPE cells and establishment of epithelial cultures.
- RNA extraction from brain, neural retina, fresh RPE, and cultured RPE cells.
- Reverse-transcription/polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR) and Southern hybridization to detect receptor mRNA.
Main Results:
- Melatonin receptor subtypes 1B and 1C mRNA were detected in the brain, neural retina, and RPE.
- The MEL1A receptor subtype mRNA was not found in these tissues.
- Cultured RPE cells maintained expression of MEL1B and MEL1C receptor mRNA for two weeks.
Conclusions:
- RNA encoding melatonin receptor subtypes 1B and 1C is expressed in the Xenopus neural retina and RPE.
- This expression is maintained in RPE cells in culture.
- Melatonin receptors in the RPE may regulate diurnal functions like phagocytosis and pigment granule migration.