Localization of voltage-sensitive L-type calcium channels in the chicken retina.

L-type calcium channels have been associated with synaptic transmission in the retina, and are a potential site for modulation of the release of neurotransmitters. The present study documents the immunohistochemical localization of neuronal alpha1 subunits of L-type calcium channels in chicken retina, using antibodies to the alpha1c, alpha1d and alpha1f subunits of L-type calcium channels. The alpha1c-like subunits were localized to Müller cells, with predominantly radial processes, and a prominent band of horizontal processes in the outer plexiform layer. The antibody to alpha1d subunits labelled most, if not all, cell bodies. The antibody to a human alpha1f subunit strongly labelled photoreceptor terminals. Fainter immunoreactivity was detected in the inner segments of the photoreceptors, a subset of amacrine cells, two bands of labelling in the inner plexiform layer and many ganglion cells. The differential cellular distributons of these alpha1-subunits suggests subtle functional differences in their roles at different cellular locations.

Enkephalin, neurotensin and somatostatin increase cAMP levels in the chicken retina.

PURPOSE: Enkephalin, neurotensin and somatostatin are released at high rates in the dark and at low rates in the light n the chicken retina. The present study examines the effects of these peptide transmitters on retinal cAMP METHODS: Chicken retinas were incubated in vitro with various drugs for 10min. Cyclic AMP was extracted with acidified ethanol and retinal levels of cAMP were measured using a radioassay kit. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: These peptides increased cAMP levels in the chicken retina in vitro, which is surprising as their receptors are generally thought to be negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase. The paradoxical increase in retinal cAMP may be due to unique types of peptide receptors that are positively coupled to adenylate cyclase. A more plausible explanation is that these peptides act indirectly and change the rate of release of another transmitter, whose receptor is coupled to adenylate cyclase.

Localization of D1 dopamine receptors in the chicken retina.

PURPOSE: The localization of dopamine D1 receptors (DIR) in the chicken retina was examined using an anti-human DIR monoclonal antibody and PAP techniques. RESULTS: A clear band of staining was seen in the outer plexiform layer, as well as cellular staining in the outer-most part of the inner nuclear layer, probably in a subset of horizontal cells. Many different amacrine cell bodies were labelled in the inner one-third of the inner nuclear layer. There was also extensive staining in the inner plexiform layer, which showed some striation. Occasional labelled ganglion cells were also detected. CONCLUSION: Localization of D1-dopamine receptors has been shown in the chicken retina.