Neural differentiation and synaptogenesis in retinal development.

To investigate the pattern of neural differentiation and synaptogenesis in the mouse retina, immunolabeling, BrdU assay and transmission electron microscopy were used. We show that the neuroblastic cell layer is the germinal zone for neural differentiation and retinal lamination. Ganglion cells differentiated initially at embryonic day 13 (E13), and at E18 horizontal cells appeared in the neuroblastic cell layer.

The effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the developmental retina of mice.

Aims: Our aim is to investigate the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on the development of retinal bipolar and horizontal cells.

Methods: The alterations of the retinal bipolar and horizontal cells in P7, P14 and P30 mice were observed after PAE, with immunofluorescent labeling and DiI diolistic assay.

Results: The retinal development of filial pups was affected by PAE in a dose-dependent and long-term manner.