ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Key words: Gene expression
;
Hereditary retinal degeneration
;
Interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP)
;
Rod-cone degeneration
;
Opsin
;
Cat
;
Abyssinian
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract. Levels of interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) protein and message in retinas of Abyssinian cats homozygous for progressive rod-cone degeneration were determined at early ages, well before the onset of clinical retinal degeneration. IRBP gene expression was assessed by immunochemical quantitation of IRBP protein, and by Northern blotting and slot-blotting of total RNA using a human IRBP cDNA probe. Morphology was assessed by electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry. Levels of both IRBP protein and message in affected Abyssinian cat retinas were significantly reduced below normal as early as 4 weeks of age at the earliest stage of retinal disorientation. Opsin mRNA was more abundant in affected Abyssininian cat retinas than in control retinas. This was at least 1 year before the onset of clinical symptoms. The reduction in IRBP gene expression to levels significantly below normal well before the onset of retinal degeneration in affected Abyssinian cat retinas indicates that this represents a primary defect or at least an early problem that could itself cause adverse effects.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00414173
