Acta Anatomica Sinica ›› 2024, Vol. 55 ›› Issue (1): 105-112.doi: 10.16098/j.issn.0529-1356.2024.01.015

• Histology,Embryology and Developmental Biology • Previous Articles     Next Articles

 Retinal microstructure and developmental characteristics in Zebrafish

 FENG  Li-ping1  XU  Yi-lin2,3,4  CHEN  Xun2,3,4  LIU  Da-hai5  WANG  Jun-yong1  WANG  Xiao-ying2,3,4*  LIN  Jin-xing1*   

  1. 1.Shanghai Laboratory Animal Research Center, Shanghai 201203, China;2.Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University,     Shanghai 200031, China; 3.National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Myopia of Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China;   4.Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai 200031, China; 5.Shanghai BK/KY Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shanghai 201203, China
  • Received:2022-11-21 Revised:2023-04-04 Online:2024-02-06 Published:2024-02-06
  • Contact: WANG Xiao-ying LIN Jin-xing E-mail:linjinxing83@163.com

Abstract:

Objective  To study the microscopic structure and morphological characteristics of Zebrafish eyeball and retina at different developmental stages, and to lay a foundation for visual research model.    Methods  Select eight groups of zebrafish at different ages, with six fish in each group, 48 fish in total. Optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the eyeball structure of Zebrafish at different developmental stages, and the thickness of retinal each layer was measured to analyze the temporal and spatial development pattern. The morphological characteristics of various cells in the retina and the way of nerve connection were observed from the microscopic and ultrastructural aspects, especially the structural differences between rod cells and cone cells.    Results  The retina of Zebrafish can be divided into ten layers including retinal pigment epithelial layer, rod cells and cone cells layer, outer limiting membrane, outer nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, inner plexiform layer, ganglion cell layer, nerve fiber layer, inner limiting membrane. Rod cells had a smaller nucleus and a higher electron density than cone cells. Photoreceptor terminals were neatly arranged in the outer plexiform layer, forming neural connections with horizontal cells and bipolar cells, and several synaptic ribbons are clearly visible within them. In Zebrafish retina, ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer are the earliest developed. With the growth and development of Zebrafish, the thickness of rod cells and cone cells layer and retinal pigment epithelial layer gradually increases, and the retinal structure was basically developed in about 10 weeks.    Conclusion  The retinal structure of Zebrafish is typical, with obvious stratification and highly differentiated nerve cells. There are abundant neural connections in the outer plexiform layer. The ocular development characteristics of Zebrafish are similar to those of most mammals.

Key words:  Retina, Rod cell, Cone cell, Transmission electron microscopy, Zebrafish

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