Steroid metabolizing enzymes in the rat retina : immunohistochemical study.

2010 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21791706
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Ophthalmology
• Research Institution: Wakayama Medical University
• Principal Investigator: ITO Takao Wakayama Medical University, 医学部, 助教 (30315931)
• Project Period (FY): 2009 – 2010
• Keywords: 網膜 / 神経ステロイド / 免疫組織化学 / ウエスタンブロット

Research Abstract

Neurosteroids are synthesized from cholesterol or other steroidal precursors and affect neuronal functions by modulating neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Recent studies have shown that neurosteroids are produced also in the retina. However, it is unclear where the enzymes are located in the retina and how they contribute to retinal physiology. Here, we investigated the localization of steroid metabolizing enzymes in the developing and adult rat retina by using immunohistochemistry with specific antibodies. Furthermore, to evaluate the developing expression of the enzymes in the retina, we carried out reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.