A novel type of glial cell in the retina is stimulated by insulin-like growth factor 1 and may exacerbate damage to neurons and Muller glia.

ABSTRACT: Recent studies have demonstrated that insulin can have profound affects on the survival of neurons within the retina. The purpose of this study was to determine how insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) influences retinal cells; in particular, the glial cells. We identify a novel type of glial cell in the avian retina and provide evidence that these cells can respond to acute damage and IGF1. In normal retinas, we found a distinct cell-type, scattered across the ganglion cell and inner plexiform layers that express Sox2, Sox9, Nkx2.2, vimentin, and transitin, the avian homologue of mammalian nestin. These glial cells have a unique immunohistochemical profile, morphology, and distribution that are distinct among other known types of retinal glia, including microglia, oligodendrocytes, astrocy

SUBMITTER: Fischer AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2830337 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature