Morphology and Distribution of Gap Junction in Horizontal Cells of the Rabbit Retina

Cha, Jiook; Kim, In Beom

Abstract

Horizontal cells (HCs) of the mammalian retina are interneurons that provide negative feedback to photoreceptors in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) where the first synapse occurs and contribute to the center surround antagonism that underlies the receptive field properties of many retinal neurons. These functions of HCs are thought to be attributed to their coupled network via gap junctions. Two kinds of connexin (Cx) proteins, Cx50 and 57 are known to form gap junctions of HCs. However, little is known about precise localization of gap junctions within HCs. Thus, this study was designed to determine the localization of HC gap junctions at subcellular level. In vertical ultrathin sections of the rabbit retina, gap junctions composed of Cx50 and 57 were identified in the OPL by the electron-dense reaction products. Each Cx50 and 57 gap junction on putative HC processes showed its own distinct features. Cx50 gap junction was bigger in size and localized more proximally than Cx57. In addition, Cx57 gap junctions had distinct shape. That is, about a half of them appeared to be invaginated or endocytosed in shape. The differences in shape, size and subcellular localization between Cx50 and 57 gap junctions may provide the insights into the function of different types of horizontal cell.