Biomaterial Database

Number and dendritic morphology of retinal ganglion cells that survived after axotomy in adult cats. 1995

M Watanabe, and H Sawai, and Y Fukuda

Department of Physiology, Aichi Human Service Center, Japan.

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) of adult cats were labeled by injection of diI into the proximal stump of completely transected optic nerves. Approximately 2% to 5% of the RGC population appeared viable 2 months after these axotomies, based on diI retention. The morphological type and dendritic arbor of these surviving RGCs were examined after intracellular injections of Lucifer Yellow into diI-labeled RGCs. Postaxotomy survival rate was much higher for alpha-like cells than for beta-like cells. However, in one of four retinas examined, a large number of RGCs seemed to survive axotomy, and among these, beta cells survived at an unusually high rate. Dendritic arbors of surviving RGCs were also examined after intracellular injection of horseradish peroxidase. Some dendrites of these RGCs lacked branches and were thin in caliber. Other dendrites displayed many spiny processes and bulbous swellings. Essentially, these results confirm the previous suggestion that alpha cells survive axotomy longer than beta cells. The ability of alpha cells to regenerate axons may thus be attributable to their relatively high resistance to axotomy. The atypical dendritic profiles seen after optic nerve transection may reflect either degeneration or regrowth of dendrites.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007546	Isoquinolines	A group of compounds with the heterocyclic ring structure of benzo(c)pyridine. The ring structure is characteristic of the group of opium alkaloids such as papaverine. (From Stedman, 25th ed)
D008297	Male		Males
D009900	Optic Nerve	The 2nd cranial nerve which conveys visual information from the RETINA to the brain. The nerve carries the axons of the RETINAL GANGLION CELLS which sort at the OPTIC CHIASM and continue via the OPTIC TRACTS to the brain. The largest projection is to the lateral geniculate nuclei; other targets include the SUPERIOR COLLICULI and the SUPRACHIASMATIC NUCLEI. Though known as the second cranial nerve, it is considered part of the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.	Cranial Nerve II,Second Cranial Nerve,Nervus Opticus,Cranial Nerve, Second,Cranial Nerves, Second,Nerve, Optic,Nerve, Second Cranial,Nerves, Optic,Nerves, Second Cranial,Optic Nerves,Second Cranial Nerves
D002232	Carbocyanines	Compounds that contain three methine groups. They are frequently used as cationic dyes used for differential staining of biological materials.	Carbocyanine
D002415	Cats	The domestic cat, Felis catus, of the carnivore family FELIDAE, comprising over 30 different breeds. The domestic cat is descended primarily from the wild cat of Africa and extreme southwestern Asia. Though probably present in towns in Palestine as long ago as 7000 years, actual domestication occurred in Egypt about 4000 years ago. (From Walker's Mammals of the World, 6th ed, p801)	Felis catus,Felis domesticus,Domestic Cats,Felis domestica,Felis sylvestris catus,Cat,Cat, Domestic,Cats, Domestic,Domestic Cat
D002452	Cell Count	The number of CELLS of a specific kind, usually measured per unit volume or area of sample.	Cell Density,Cell Number,Cell Counts,Cell Densities,Cell Numbers,Count, Cell,Counts, Cell,Densities, Cell,Density, Cell,Number, Cell,Numbers, Cell
D002470	Cell Survival	The span of viability of a cell characterized by the capacity to perform certain functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, some form of responsiveness, and adaptability.	Cell Viability,Cell Viabilities,Survival, Cell,Viabilities, Cell,Viability, Cell
D003712	Dendrites	Extensions of the nerve cell body. They are short and branched and receive stimuli from other NEURONS.	Dendrite
D005260	Female		Females
D005456	Fluorescent Dyes	Chemicals that emit light after excitation by light. The wave length of the emitted light is usually longer than that of the incident light. Fluorochromes are substances that cause fluorescence in other substances, i.e., dyes used to mark or label other compounds with fluorescent tags.	Flourescent Agent,Fluorescent Dye,Fluorescent Probe,Fluorescent Probes,Fluorochrome,Fluorochromes,Fluorogenic Substrates,Fluorescence Agents,Fluorescent Agents,Fluorogenic Substrate,Agents, Fluorescence,Agents, Fluorescent,Dyes, Fluorescent,Probes, Fluorescent,Substrates, Fluorogenic