Abstract
AbstractPurposeDegenerative eye diseases such as macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa slowly deteriorate vision, ultimately leading to blindness. Current research with laboratory animal models largely utilizes small mammals that are nocturnal and lack the ability to restore lost vision. In contrast, the Mongolian gerbil is a diurnal rodent with good photopic vision, and the eastern spiny mouse is a small desert-dwelling rodent with remarkable regenerative capabilities. The goal of this study was to identify several antibodies that detect retinal cell classes inMerionesandAcomys, and to describe the retinal anatomy of these two species in comparison to outbred laboratory mice (Mus musculus).MethodsRetinal sections were obtained from adult eyes and subjected to histological or immuno-staining with antibodies for various retinal cell types. Sections were imaged by light, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy, assessing cell number and morphology. Cell density, morphology, and placement were compared between species qualitatively and quantitatively.ResultsImmunohistochemical visualization and analysis of all general classes of retinal neurons and Müller glia revealed a classic assembly of retinal cells with a few deviations compared toMus.Merionesdisplayed the highest density of cone photoreceptors andAcomysthe lowest. A higher density of bipolar cell bodies in the proximal portion of the inner nuclear layer was observed in bothAcomysandMerionescompared toMus, and both species exhibited an increase in amacrine cell density compared toMus.ConclusionWe have characterized similarities and differences in the retinal anatomy and cellular density betweenMeriones,Acomys, andMus. We identified several commercially available antibodies that reliably detect retinal cell types in theAcomysandMerionesretina. Our results provide a foundation for future research into the visual system adaptations of both of these interesting rodent species.
Publisher
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory