Seizure-Related Gene 6 (Sez-6) in Amacrine Cells of the Rodent Retina and the Consequence of Gene Deletion

摘要: Background: Seizure-related gene 6 (Sez-6) is expressed in neurons of the mouse brain, retina and spinal cord. In cortex, Sez-6 plays a role specifying dendritic branching patterns excitatory synapse numbers during development. Methodology/Principal Findings: The distribution pattern was studied using polyclonal antibody that detects multiple isoforms Sez-6. Prominent immunostaining detected GABAergic, but not All glycinergic, amacrine cell subpopulations rat retina. Amacrine somata displayed distinct staining with antibody: discrete, often roughly triangular-shaped bright spot positioned between nucleus apical dendrite superimposed over weaker general cytoplasmic staining. Displaced amacrines ganglion layer were also positive for occasionally observed morphology alpha cells. Two strata present inner plexiform addition to generalized punctate Certain nuclear cells, including bipolar stained more weakly diffusely than although some cells exhibited perinuclear "bright spot" similar order assess retina, we analyzed knockout immunohistochemical markers compared arbor patterning null retinae controls. functional importance assessed by dark-adapted paired-flash electroretinography (ERG). Conclusions: summary, have reported detailed expression novel retinal marker broad specificity, useful characterization rodent experimental models. Retinal morphology, ERG waveforms appeared normal suggesting that, spite widespread Sez-6, function absence affected.