Axon-bearing and axon-less horizontal cell subtypes are generated consecutively during chick retinal development from progenitors that are sensitive to follistatin
2008

Development of Horizontal Cell Subtypes in Chick Retina

Sample size: 3 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Edqvist Per-Henrik, Lek Madelen, Boije Henrik, Lindbäck Sarah M, Hallböök Finn

Primary Institution: Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Developmental Neuroscience, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Sweden

Hypothesis

How and when are horizontal cell subtypes generated during chick retinal development?

Conclusion

The study shows that horizontal cell subtypes are generated consecutively from progenitor cells sensitive to follistatin, leading to an increase in horizontal cell numbers when follistatin is administered.

Supporting Evidence

  • Horizontal cells are generated from progenitor cells that are sensitive to follistatin.
  • Follistatin treatment increases the number of both Lim1+ and Isl1+ horizontal cells.
  • Apoptosis does not affect the population size of horizontal cells during development.

Takeaway

This study found that two types of cells in the chick retina, called horizontal cells, are made one after the other and that a special protein can help make more of them.

Methodology

The study used immunohistochemistry and birth-dating analysis to characterize horizontal cell subtypes and their development.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in the interpretation of results due to the focus on specific retinal regions.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on the central retina, which may not represent the entire retinal development.

Participant Demographics

Chick embryos were used for the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-213X-8-46

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