A survey of molecular expression by photoreceptors after experimental retinal detachment.
OBJECTIVE
To describe changes in the localization patterns and levels of rod and cone photoreceptor proteins after experimental retinal detachment (RD).


METHODS
Cat retinas were detached for 1, 3, 7, or 28 days, at which time the eyecups were placed in fixative for immunocytochemical analysis or homogenized for biochemistry. Immunocytochemistry was performed using 19 probes for molecules known to be associated with photoreceptors. Protein concentrations were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or Western blot analysis. Cone cell death was analyzed by double labeling with TdT-dUTP terminal nick-end labeling and cone-specific antibodies.


RESULTS
Although some cones died, many survived long-term RD. Although their profiles may have changed, rod photoreceptors continued to express most of the molecules studied as long as they were alive. In contrast, the cones failed to label with almost all probes specific to them after 3 to 7 days of detachment. The exception was phosducin, which localized to both rods and cones and, in 28-day detachments, increased to 180% of the amount in normal retina.


CONCLUSIONS
Rods and cones respond differently to RD. This difference may account for a faster return of rod vision and for the lingering changes in color vision and acuity that are often reported after successful reattachment surgeries.
Rex
Tonia S
TS
Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara 93106-5060, USA.
Fariss
Robert N
RN
Lewis
Geoffrey P
GP
Linberg
Kenneth A
KA
Sokal
Iza
I
Fisher
Steven K
SK
D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002415:Cats; D016923:Cell Death; D002470:Cell Survival; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005136:Eye Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D023421:Models, Animal; D017949:Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D017948:Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
D005136:Eye Proteins