Fluorescence light microscopy of F-actin in retinal rods and glial cells

L. V. Del Priore, A. Lewis, S. Tan, W. W. Carley, W. W. Webb

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

The actin cytoskeleton of rod photoreceptors and glial cells in toad retina has been directly viewed using fluorescence microscopy of cells labeled with a potent phallotoxin that specifically binds to F-actin. The three-dimensional organization of this cytoskeletal protein consists of actin filaments, which course through the inner segment and end at the tips of the calycal processes surrounding the base of the outer segment. A transverse layer of actin staining is also observed at the base of rod outer segments in the region where new discs are formed. At the level of the external limiting membrane, evidence has been found for rings of actin within the glial cells that surround the photoreceptors. These actin rings form a structural meshwork in which photoreceptor cells are embedded.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)633-639
Number of pages7
JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
Volume28
Issue number4
StatePublished - 1987
Externally publishedYes

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