Publication: Expression of neuropeptides and their
receptors in the developing retina of mammals
Authors
Bagnoli, P. ; Dal Monte, M. ; Casini, G.
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Publisher
Murcia : F. Hernández
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DOI
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info:eu-repo/semantics/article
Description
Abstract
The present review examines various
aspects of the developmental expression of
neuropeptides and of their receptors in mammalian
retinas, emphasizing their possible roles in retinal
maturation. Different peptidergic systems have been
investigated with some detail during retinal
development, including substance P (SP), somatostatin
(SRIF), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), pituitary
adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP),
neuropeptide Y (NPY), opioid peptides and
corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF). Overall, the
developmental expression of most peptides is
characterized by early appearance, transient features and
achievement of the mature pattern at the time of eye
opening. Concerning possible developmental actions of
neuropeptides, recent studies imply a role of SP in the
modulation of cholinergic neurotransmission in early
postnatal rabbit retinas, when cholinergic cells
participate in the retinal spontaneous waves of activity.
In addition, the presence of transient SRIF expressing
ganglion cells and recent observations in SRIF receptor
knock-out mice indicate variegated roles of this peptide
in the development of the retina and of retinofugal
projections. Furthermore, VIP and PACAP exert
protective and growth-promoting actions that may
sustain retinal neurons during their development, and
opioid peptides may control cell proliferation in the
developing retina. Finally, a peak in the expression of
certain peptides, including VIP, NPY and CRF, is present
around the time of eye opening, when the retina begins
the analysis of structured visual information, suggesting
important roles of these peptides during this delicate
phase of retinal development. In summary, although the
physiological actions of peptides during retinal
development are far from being clarified, the data
reviewed herein indicate promising perspectives in this
field of study.
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