A mouse-like retinal cone phenotype in the Syrian hamster: S opsin coexpressed with M opsin in a common cone photoreceptor

Previous immunocytochemical, physiological, and molecular studies have reported that the Syrian hamster lacks a shortwave-sensitive (S) cone photopigment but retains circadian responses to ultraviolet (UV) light. Using opsin antibodies and a sensitive detection protocol, we here show that S opsin im...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Brain research 2002-03, Vol.929 (1), p.139-146
Main Authors: Glösmann, Martin, Ahnelt, Peter K
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Animals, Newborn
Biological and medical sciences
Cell Count
Circadian Rhythm - physiology
Circadian rhythms
Coexpression
Cone opsins
Cricetinae
Eye and associated structures. Visual pathways and centers. Vision
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Gene Expression - physiology
Immunohistochemistry
Light Signal Transduction - physiology
Mesocricetus
Mesocricetus auratus
Mice
opsin
Phenotype
Photoreceptors
Protein Isoforms - metabolism
Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells - cytology
Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells - metabolism
Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells - cytology
Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells - metabolism
Rod Opsins - metabolism
Ultraviolet Rays
UV sensitivity
Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs
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Summary:Previous immunocytochemical, physiological, and molecular studies have reported that the Syrian hamster lacks a shortwave-sensitive (S) cone photopigment but retains circadian responses to ultraviolet (UV) light. Using opsin antibodies and a sensitive detection protocol, we here show that S opsin immunoreactivity colocalizes with M opsin immunoreactivity in a common type of cone photoreceptor. S opsin signal within individual cone outer segments is low and continuously decreases from the ventral to dorsal retina. Only double-labeled cones were found. During development, S opsin expression precedes that of M opsin, but there is no indication of transdifferentiation. Our results imply that in the Syrian hamster low levels of S opsin colocalize with M opsin in a common cone phenotype. We suggest that, similar to other murid rodents, the S pigment absorbs maximally in the UV range, and thus may contribute to mediating the circadian response of the Syrian hamster to UV light.
ISSN:0006-8993
1872-6240
DOI:10.1016/S0006-8993(02)02267-9