Int. J. Dev. Biol. 45: S69 - S70 (2001)

Vol 45, Issue S1

Proliferation, cell death and reelin expression during development of the retina in a teleost, the common trout (Salmo trutta fario)

Published: 1 June 2001

E Candal, R Anadon, HC Caruncho, I Rodriguez-Moldes

Univ Santiago de Compostela, Dept Biol Fundamental, Santiago De Compostela, Spain

Abstract

We have analysed the spatiotemporal pattern of cell proliferation and apoptosis during the development of the retina in a teleost. Distribution of proliferating cells in different developmental stages (embryos, alevins, and juveniles) was analysed with an antibody against proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). After establishment of the retinal lamination, PCNA-immunoreactive (PCNA-ir) cells were frequently observed in all cell layers, with a high majority of proliferating cells located at the marginal (growing) retina. Clusters of PCNA-ir cells were characteristic of the inner nuclear layer (INL). The distribution of apoptotic cells was studied by the TUNEL method, which has revealed significant cell death before completion of the retinal lamination. We have also used an antibody against Reelin (RELN) as a marker for retinal cells that secrete this glycoprotein to the extracellular space. The pattern of RELN expression, as well as that of proliferating and dying cells was very similar to that described in tetrapods, suggesting that this protein regulates the cell migration and synaptogenesis in the different developmental stages of the retina.

Keywords

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