Repeated ultrasound guided fetal injections of corticosteroid alter nervous system maturation in the ovine fetus.

Introduction: Recent studies in sheep have shown that repeated maternal injections of betamethasone are associated with adverse effects within the nervous system. Repeated fetal injections of betamethasone achieve serial improvements in preterm lung function in sheep and are a possible alternative to repeated maternal therapy. We have evaluated the effect of repeated fetal administration of betamethasone on nervous system maturation in an ovine model.

The ocular morphology of the southern hemisphere lamprey geotria australis gray, with special reference to optical specialisations and the characterisation and phylogeny of photoreceptor types.

This paper describes the ocular morphology of young adults of the southern hemisphere lamprey Geotria australis, the sole representative of the Geotriidae, and makes comparisons with those of holarctic lampreys (Petromyzontidae). As previously reported for the holarctic lamprey Ichthyomyzon unicuspis [Collin and Fritzsch, 1993], the lens of G. australis is non-spherical and possesses a cone-shaped posterior that may be capable of mediating variable focus.

Retinal structure and visual acuity in a polyprotodont marsupial, the fat-tailed dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata).

The visual system of the fat-tailed dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata), a small polyprotodont marsupial, has been examined both anatomically and behaviourally. The ganglion cell layer was examined in cresyl-violet stained wholemounts and found to contain a mean of 81,400 ganglion cells (SD +/- 3,360); the identification of ganglion cells was supported by a correspondence to optic axon counts. Ganglion cells were distributed as a mid-temporally situated area centralis, embedded in a pronounced visual streak.

Photoreceptor fine structure in Oreochromis niloticus L. (Cichlidae; Teleostei) in light- and dark-adaptation.

The structure and arrangement of both light- and dark-adapted retinal photoreceptors of Oreochromis niloticus L. were studied. Eyes of four light-adapted and four dark-adapted O.

Fine structure of the retinal pigment epithelium of Oreochromis niloticus L. (Cichlidae; Teleostei) in light- and-dark adaptation.

The fine structure of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of the cichlid Oreochromis niloticus was investigated in both light- and dark-adaptation. The eyes of four light-adapted and from four dark-adapted O. niloticus were fixed routinely for light and transmission electron microscopy.