Expression and functions of ASIC1 in the zebrafish retina

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2014 Dec 12;455(3-4):353-7. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.11.021. Epub 2014 Nov 15.

Abstract

It has been demonstrated that acid sensing ionic channels (ASICs) are present in the central and peripheral nervous system of mammals, including the retina. However, it remains unclear whether the zebrafish retina also expresses ASICs. In the present study, the expression and distribution of zasic1 were examined in the retina of zebrafish. Both zasic1 mRNA and protein expressions were detected in the adult zebrafish retina. A wide distribution of ASIC1 in zebrafish retina was confirmed using whole mount in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry study. Acidosis-induced currents in the isolated retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were also recorded using whole cell patch clamping. Moreover, blockade of ASICs channel significantly reduced the locomotion of larval zebrafish in response to light exposure. In sum, our data demonstrate the presence of ASIC1 and its possible functional relevance in the retina of zebrafish.

Keywords: Acid sensing ionic channels; Retina; Zebrafish.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acid Sensing Ion Channels / genetics
  • Acid Sensing Ion Channels / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Larva
  • Light
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Motor Activity
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Retina / metabolism*
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / cytology
  • Zebrafish / genetics*
  • Zebrafish / physiology
  • Zebrafish Proteins / genetics
  • Zebrafish Proteins / physiology*

Substances

  • Acid Sensing Ion Channels
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Zebrafish Proteins