p53 selectively regulates developmental apoptosis of rod photoreceptors.

Retinal cells become post-mitotic early during post-natal development. It is likely that p53, a well-known cell cycle regulator, is involved in regulating the genesis, differentiation and death of retinal cells. Furthermore, retinal cells are under constant oxidative stress that can result in DNA damage, due to the extremely high level of metabolic activity associated with phototransduction.

Pattern of expression of p53, its family members, and regulators during early ocular development and in the post-mitotic retina.

Purpose: Because of its role in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis, p53 may be involved in maintaining the post-mitotic state of the adult eye. To shed light on the role of p53 in retinal development and maintenance, this study investigated the pattern of expression of p53, its family members, and its regulators during the development of the mouse eye.

Methods: Relative quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the steady-state levels of target transcripts in RNA extracted from wild-type mouse whole eyes or retinas between embryonic day (E) 15 and post-natal day (P) 30.

A vapor exposure model for neonatal mice.

Sulfur mustard (HD) is a vesicant compound that was first used as a chemical warfare agent in World War I. (Papirmeister et al. 1991).