Abstract

MONTERO-DE-ESPINOSA, I.; MARQUEZ-DE-ARACENA, R.  and  MUNOZ-SAEZ, M.. Distribution of met-enkephalin expression in the visual pathway: Experimental study by inmunocytochemistry. Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol [online]. 2009, vol.84, n.5, pp.245-250. ISSN 0365-6691.

Purpose: The localization and distribution of neuropetide expression in the cat visual pathway can provide information about the function of that pathway. Method: Study of optic pathway in eight cats. Following extraction of the brain, slices were prepared using a microkeratome. The slices were examined by indirect immunocytochemistry using anti-metenkephalin as antibody to determine the presence or absence of this pentapeptide in the visual pathway. Results: Met-enkephalin receptors in both cortical and subcortical regions of the brain were detected. This suggests that met-enkephalin could be involved in the visual mechanism. Conclusions: The presence of met-enkephalin receptors in both cortical and subcortical regions of the brain suggests that this pentapeptide could be involved in the visual mechanism.

Keywords : Substance P; optic nerve; visual pathway; neurotransmitter; neuroprotection.

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