Retinoid content, visual responses, and ocular morphology are compromised in the retinas of mice lacking the retinol-binding protein receptor, STRA6.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

We report generation of a mouse model in which the STRA6 gene has been disrupted functionally to facilitate the study of visual responses, changes in ocular morphology, and retinoid processing under STRA6 protein deficiency.

Methods

A null mouse line, stra6 -/-, was generated. Western Blot and immunocytochemistry were used to determine expression of STRA6 protein. Visual responses and morphological studies were performed on 6-week, 5-month and 10-month-old mice. The retinoid content of eye tissues was evaluated in dark-adapted mice by high performance liquid chromatography.

Results

STRA6 protein was not detectable in stra6 -/- null mice, which had a consistent reduction, but not total ablation of their visual responses. The mice also showed significant depleti

SUBMITTER: Ruiz A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3378086 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature