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The emergence, localization and maturation of neurotransmitter systems during development of the retina in Xenopus laevis . I. γ‐aminobutyric acid
Author(s) -
Hollyfiels Joe G.,
Rayborn Mary E.,
Sarthy P. Vijay,
Lam Dominic M. K.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
journal of comparative neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.855
H-Index - 209
eISSN - 1096-9861
pISSN - 0021-9967
DOI - 10.1002/cne.901880406
Subject(s) - xenopus , retina , biology , gabaergic , glutamate decarboxylase , neurotransmitter , inner nuclear layer , gamma aminobutyric acid , population , retinal , microbiology and biotechnology , neuroscience , glutamate receptor , anatomy , biochemistry , central nervous system , inhibitory postsynaptic potential , receptor , enzyme , demography , sociology , gene
The high‐affinity uptake, biosynthesis and release of GABA have been studied in the retina of Xenopus laevis . In the mature retina, [ 3 H]‐GABA is accumulated predominantly by horizontal cells. A second population of cells located in the inner nuclear layer (possibly a type of amacrine cell) also showed a specific GABA uptake. In addition, this retina contains significant activities of L‐glutamic acid decarboxylase and also releases [ 3 H]‐GABA in response to increasing K + concentrations in the medium. We have followed the appearance and maturation of these GABA‐ergic properties during embryonic development of this retina. Our results indicate that these properties emerge in a precise temporal pattern during retinal differentiation: the specific neuronal uptake of GABA synthesis which is followed by K + ‐stimulated GABA release.