Electrophysiological Properties of a Quail Neuroretina Cell Line (QNR/D): Effects of Growth Hormone?

• Author / Creator

  Andres, Alexis D

• The expression of retinal ganglion cell protein markers and voltage-gated ion channels in QNR/D cells was investigated using immunocytochemistry and the whole cell patch clamp technique, respectively. Additionally, since these cells express growth hormone and growth hormone receptor, the effects of exogenous growth hormone treatment on ion channel expression were also investigated.
  It was determined that QNR/D cells express retinal ganglion cell markers Islet-1 homeobox transcription factor, R4A antigenicity, neurofilament proteins as well as growth hormone and growth hormone receptor. It was also determined that these cells express vimentin filaments which are expressed in vivo in retinal ganglion cell precursors.
  The expression of a variety of voltage-gated currents was observed. These currents include T-type Ca2+ currents, and A-type and delayed rectifier K+ currents. Exogenous growth hormone treatment did not significantly alter the density of these currents or induce the expression of any other current types after 72 hours of exposure.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • RGC-5
  • QNR/D
  • Retina
  • Ion Channels
  • Potassium Channels
  • Calcium Channels
  • Retinal Ganglion Cell
  • Growth Hormone

• Graduation date

  Fall 2012

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3M06Q

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.