Somatostatin-like Immunoreactivity in the Retinae of Adult and Embryonic Chickens

Abstract

Abstract

Somatostatin, a tetradecapeptide that inhibits growth hormone release, has a widespread distribution in the central and peripheral nervous systems and other cell types. In the present investigation, the chicken neural retina was studied for the presence of structures exhibiting somatostatin-like immunoreactivity by utilizing an indirect immunofluorescence technique. Controls for specificity of staining were performed on alternate sections. Several types of distinctly labeled neurons and their processes were evident in sections of adult and late embryonic retinae. Cresyl violet staining showed that these neurons, which were scattered peripherally and more numerous centrally, occupied several strata within the inner nuclear, inner plexiform, and ganglion cell layers. Labeled neurites of immunoreactive perikarya coursed within these layers as well, often approaching other immunoreactive cells and fibers. The morphology and position of the somatostatin-containing neurons indicated that these neurons were amacrine, horizontal, or ganglion associational cells. These findings indicate that somatostatin is first detectable in the retina during the late embryonic stages of the chicken.