Horizontal cell differentiation in the retina of the Brazilian opossum, Monodelphis domestica.

Differentiation of many diverse neuronal phenotypes is an essential part of nervous system development. We have studied the differentiation of horizontal cells, one of the basic neuronal types in the vertebrate retina, in a small, easily maintained marsupial by immunocytochemistry using antineurofilament and antivimentin antibodies. At birth the retina consists of proliferating neural epithelial cells, with a few early ganglion cells.

Horizontal cells in the rabbit retina: differentiation of subtypes at neonatal and postnatal stages.

We are investigating the differentiation of the major subtypes of horizontal cell in the rabbit retina in order to learn more about developmental controls responsible for the variety of neuronal phenotypes. Immunohistochemistry with anti-neurofilament and anti-calbindin-D antibodies, followed by epoxy resin embedding, has facilitated study of these neurons. In the mature rabbit retina, axonless (A-type) horizontal cells reacted strongly in procedures using either antibody; short axon (B-type) somas did not show a reaction with anti-neurofilament antibodies and stained moderately using anti-calbindin antibodies.

The temporal and spatial expression of basic fibroblast growth factor during ocular development in the chicken.

Purpose: The authors determined the temporal and spatial localization of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) during ocular development in the chick embryo in an attempt to elucidate its role in this process.

Methods: These studies used monospecific polyclonal rabbit anti-human bFGF immunoglobulin G in conjunction with immunohistochemical techniques and western blot analysis. Embryonic eyes at 5-20 days of development were studied.

Basic fibroblast growth factor in the chick embryo: immunolocalization to striated muscle cells and their precursors.

The identification of acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) in a number of embryonic tissue extracts has implicated these growth factors in the regulation of a variety of embryonic events including angiogenesis, eye development, and muscle differentiation. Lack of information concerning the cellular distribution of the growth factor within these tissues has made it extremely difficult to assign developmental roles to FGF. We have localized bFGF in the developing chick embryo using immunohistochemical techniques and our monospecific polyclonal rabbit anti-human bFGF IgG.

Ultrastructural cytochemistry of monoamines in cultured human fetal sympathetic neurons.

The presence and storage of adrenergic neurotransmitter (monoamines) in cultured human fetal sympathetic neurons was investigated by chromate-dichromate cytochemistry, formaldehyde-induced fluorescence and potassium permanganate fixation. Monoamines were specifically identified in the neurons by the presence of an electron dense precipitate following cytochemical treatment. Reaction product was found in cell somas and processes in all chromate-dichromate treated cultures.