Location of CNTFR(alpha) on outer segments: Evidence of the site of action of CNTF in rat retina
Date
2003
Authors
Valter (Valter-Kocsi), Krisztina
Bisti, Silvia
Stone, Jonathan
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is an important factor in the retina's mechanisms of self-protection. It is generated by retinal glial cells in response to stress, and has a significant protective effect on retinal neurones. In this study we have identified the location of the α component of the CNTF receptor complex (CNTFRα) in rat retina, using immunohistochemistry and high-resolution confocal microscopy. The major location of CNTFRα is on photoreceptor outer segments. More scattered, granular forms of CNTFRα were identified in association with Müller cell processes in other retinal layers. Colocalisation of CNTF with CNTFRα, suggestive of ligand-receptor binding, was detected on outer segments, and in both normal retinas and retinas stressed by light or oxygen. Results provide evidence that the principal site of CNTF action is the outer segments of photoreceptors. This confirms the known ability of CNTF to protect photoreceptors against stress, and suggest that it acts by modulating mechanisms specific to the outer segment, such as the phototransduction cascade or the membrane channels, which control dark current.
Description
Keywords
Keywords: ciliary neurotrophic factor; ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor; oxygen; receptor subunit; bisbenzimide; cytochrome c oxidase; animal tissue; article; cellular distribution; confocal microscopy; controlled study; evidence based medicine; immunohistochem Ciliary neurotrophic factor; CNTF receptor; Photoreceptor stability; Retina
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Source
Brain Research
Type
Journal article