Retinal growth hormone is an anti-apoptotic factor in embryonic retinal ganglion cell differentiation

摘要: Abstract Cells of the neural retina in chick embryo undergo several waves apoptosis during development, including peaks at approximately embryonic day (ED) 7 and 12. Prominent among cells involved these phases cell death are retinal ganglion (RGCs). We have previously shown that growth hormone (GH) is expressed retina, particularly, RGCs. Here we study ability GH to rescue from apoptosis, both vitro vivo. When retinas embryos ED 6–8 explanted on collagen gels, application recombinant GH, 10 −6 m , significantly reduced incidence apoptotic cultures as judged by terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labelling (TUNEL). was delivered ovo, microinjection into eye cup 2. were examined 6–8, no reduction observed below normal low control levels. However, when antibodies microinjected, increased 6, providing evidence vivo immunoneutralization endogenous results triggering signaling pathways. Evidence RGCs a particular target this neuroprotective effect provided examination enriched for immunopanning. In serum-free culture, RGCs, identified anti-Islet 1 immunolabelling, found be susceptible immunoneutralization, which quadrupled cultures. propose naturally occurring autocrine and/or paracrine agent developing regulation numbers early embryogenesis.